Grease Trap Regulations in Colorado

Overview

Colorado food businesses must follow rules for fats, oils, and grease (FOG). The state sets the framework. Cities run the day-to-day enforcement. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) handles Regulation 63 through its Water Quality Control Division (5 CCR 1002-63). Cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins run their own FOG programs. Each one sets rules for trap size, cleaning schedules, and records.

Governing Authorities

The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission writes water quality standards for state waters. These standards form the base for FOG rules. The Water Quality Control Division at CDPHE then puts the federal Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act into effect across Colorado (CDPHE Water Quality).

Cities and water utilities handle the actual enforcement. The main local programs are:

• Denver's Metro Wastewater Reclamation District and Denver's Department of Public Health & Environment
• Colorado Springs Utilities Industrial Pretreatment Program
• Aurora Water Pretreatment Program
• Fort Collins City Utilities and South Fort Collins Sanitation District
• Boulder's Industrial Pretreatment Program at the city's wastewater treatment plant. Boulder enforces Title 11 (Utilities), Chapter 3 of the city code (Boulder Revised Code)
• Waste grease haulers must register with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

Key Requirements

Colorado food businesses must meet both state pretreatment standards and city FOG rules:

Grease Interceptor Installation

• Every commercial kitchen must install a grease interceptor sized to keep FOG out of the sewer.
• The local utility decides the type and size of trap. Business owners do not get to choose.
• Submit your install plans and piping layout to the local wastewater authority. Get approval before you start work.
• Traps go outside the building on private property. Inside installs need special permits from the building department and environmental health office.

Cleaning Frequency

• Clean your trap every 90 days. Or clean it sooner if solids fill 25% of its depth.
• Denver uses the same rule. Clean when FOG or solids hit 25% of trap depth, or every 90 days, whichever comes first.
• Fort Collins requires a registered hauler to pump the trap before combined FOG and solids in the inlet chamber pass the threshold set by program staff. Most Colorado cities use the 25% rule. Confirm your number with Fort Collins Industrial Pretreatment.
• Colorado Springs requires most kitchens to clean traps every 30 to 90 days. The exact schedule depends on trap size and how busy the kitchen is.

Record-Keeping and Manifests

• Keep cleaning records for at least three years. Show them to inspectors when asked.
• Records must include service dates and the amount of waste removed. Your cleaning company must also keep these records for three years.
• Colorado Springs wants full records: cleaning dates, service provider, volume removed, and where the waste went.
• Boulder code lets city staff request your pumping records. Keep them on file for three years.
• Only licensed haulers can dispose of grease trap waste. Disposal must follow Colorado state rules.

Best Management Practices

• Stick to a regular pumping schedule. Keep clear records. Use approved service providers.
• Train kitchen staff to scrape, wipe, or sweep grease and food off dishes before washing. Use paper towels for spills and work surfaces.
• Do not use emulsifying additives in your trap. Non-emulsifying biological additives are allowed, but you still need to clean the trap on schedule.

Fines and Enforcement

Breaking Colorado FOG rules brings real costs. Fines and operating penalties can both apply:

Municipal Penalties

• Federal Clean Water Act fines can reach $25,000 per day per violation under 33 USC §1319(d). Colorado city fines stay well below this federal cap. The responsible party pays.
• Denver usually starts with a written warning. Fines begin at about $500 and grow for repeat offenders. Worse cases bring compliance orders, paid re-inspections, or loss of your operating permit.
• Colorado Springs first-time fines start at $500. Repeat offenses cost more.
• Your business may also pay for damage to public sewers caused by FOG.

Enforcement Actions

• Local agencies enforce the rules through routine inspections.
• City sanitation districts inspect new traps when they go in. They check new traps every quarter for the first year, then every six months after that.
• Repeat violators get extra inspections at their own cost.
• If your kitchen causes a sewer blockage from FOG, you may pay for the cleanup and emergency response.
• Denver-area kitchens must follow FOG disposal rules. Skipping them can lead to fines or forced closure.

Major City FOG Programs

Denver

Denver's grease trap rules run through two agencies: the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District and the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. Both work under the city's FOG program. The city requires cleaning when FOG or solids hit 25% of trap depth, or every 90 days, whichever comes first. Denver uses the International Plumbing Code with local changes through the Denver Building and Fire Code. New builds and major remodels usually need gravity grease interceptors above set size limits. Smaller kitchens can use hydromechanical interceptors or automatic grease removal devices when the building department approves them (Denver Building & Fire Code). Keep service records for three years. Violations start with a written warning, then jump to fines of about $500 or more.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Utilities requires every food business to install and maintain grease control equipment. The city follows the standard rule: clean when FOG and food solids reach 25% of trap capacity. Keep full records of all maintenance for at least three years. Records must include dates, service provider, volume removed, and disposal site. Haulers need a permit from Colorado Springs Utilities Industrial Pretreatment. First-time fines are $500. Repeat offenses cost more.

Aurora

Aurora falls under Phase I of Colorado's municipal stormwater permit program. Aurora Water runs the local pretreatment authority. The city actively enforces FOG rules. Trap sizing matches state standards. Aurora uses the standard 90-day or 25% capacity cleaning rule. Records must be kept for three years. Kitchens that cause sewer blockages can be billed for cleanup and emergency repairs.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins runs a strict FOG program through City Utilities and the South Fort Collins Sanitation District. The goal is to protect city sewers from clogs and overflows. A registered hauler must pump your trap on a schedule set by program staff. The schedule usually matches the 25% capacity rule used statewide. Check your facility's exact threshold with Fort Collins Industrial Pretreatment. Best Management Practices are required: train staff, use sink strainers, scrape plates before washing, and dry-clean spills. Violations bring fines, compliance orders, and bills for sewer damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must I have my grease trap cleaned in Colorado?

Cleaning frequency depends on your city and trap size. Most Colorado cities require cleaning every 90 days, or when the trap hits 25% capacity with FOG and solids, whichever comes first. Busy kitchens may need service every 30 to 60 days. Your local utility will tell you the exact schedule when you get your permit. Keep service records for three years to prove you stayed on schedule.

Who can pump my grease trap in Colorado?

Only licensed and registered grease haulers can pump traps in Colorado. All haulers must register with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Many cities also keep approved-pumper lists. The Metro Wastewater Reclamation District runs a Preferred Pumper Program. Colorado Springs Utilities keeps a permitted hauler list. Always check that your hauler is licensed. Ask for proof of CDPHE registration and local permits before you sign a contract.

What happens if my restaurant causes a grease-related sewer blockage?

Kitchens that cause FOG-related sewer blockages face several costs. You will be billed for the emergency cleanup, which can run into the thousands depending on how bad the clog is. Your city may issue a compliance order requiring immediate fixes. You may face fines (often starting around $500 in major Colorado cities). Inspectors may show up more often, at your expense. In serious cases, the city can suspend your operating permit until you fix the problem. Repeat violations bring bigger penalties. The most serious cases can trigger federal Clean Water Act fines of up to $25,000 per day under 33 USC §1319(d).

Find Grease Trap Service in Colorado

Grease Trap Locator lists 38 licensed grease trap service providers across Colorado. Our directory covers pumpers, interceptor installers, and maintenance contractors. All are registered with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and approved by local pretreatment programs. We cover Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Boulder, and nearby areas. View all Colorado grease trap service providers to compare options, request quotes, and stay compliant with state and local FOG rules in 2026.