Grease Trap Regulations in Georgia

Overview

Georgia food service owners must meet FOG pretreatment rules set by the
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The EPD governs FOG transport under State Rule 391-3-6-.24 (Georgia EPD rules).
Georgia follows the International Plumbing Code's 90-day pump-out rule and the 25% surface-grease threshold. You must pump when FOG and settled solids hit 25% of liquid depth, or every three months, whichever comes first. Local agencies — Atlanta's Department of Watershed Management, Gwinnett County, and Cobb County Water System — enforce trap requirements, cleaning schedules, and log submissions.
Owners whose traps cause sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) may face civil fines up to $25,000 per day under O.C.G.A. §12-5-52.

Governing Authorities

The Georgia EPD licenses all FOG haulers statewide under Rule 391-3-6-.24. EPD inspectors check pump-out manifests during routine health department visits. The Southeastern FOG Alliance helps educate companies and support compliance with the rule.

Day-to-day enforcement falls to local water and sewer agencies. Key jurisdictions include:

• Atlanta Department of Watershed Management: All food service owners must submit permit applications, pay fees, and allow inspections. The Site Development Division reviews grease trap plans (Atlanta DWM Grease Management).
• Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources: Started a FOG prevention program in 2000 under the U.S. Clean Water Act and Georgia Water Quality Control Act. County inspectors verify compliance.
• Cobb County Water System: Covers commercial kitchens and cafeterias under Cobb County Code Sections 122-181 and 122-188 (Cobb County Code §122-188).
• Fulton County and DeKalb County: Both run active FOG programs with regular inspections.
• City of Savannah Public Works and Water Resources Bureau: No new food service business can open until grease-handling equipment is installed and approved.

Key Requirements

Cleaning Frequency

Pump your trap when FOG and settled solids together reach 25% of liquid depth, or at least once every three months — whichever comes first. Local rules may require more frequent service:

• Atlanta: Atlanta Ordinance Division 4 sets 14/90-day cleaning intervals depending on trap type.
• Cobb County: Exterior traps (PEDs) must be pumped every three months minimum. Interior traps (PIDs) require monthly pumping.
• Gwinnett County: Traps must be cleaned at least every 90 days, or more often if needed.

Interceptor Sizing

• Atlanta requires gravity interceptors of at least 1,000 gallons for new builds.
• Gwinnett County requires a minimum 1,500-gallon interceptor for all restaurants and commercial kitchens. Extra capacity is added by putting multiple 1,500-gallon units in series (Gwinnett FOG Ordinance).
• Traps must be sized for peak flow. Undersized units overflow and draw red tags from inspectors.

Record-Keeping and Manifests

• Every pump-out load needs a manifest kept on site for three years.
• Fulton County (Atlanta) requires monthly electronic log uploads and an annual $150 interceptor permit.
• Gwinnett County requires pump-out manifests emailed within five days of service. Fines start at $1,000 for missing paperwork.
• Cobb County requires cleaning manifests submitted to the county water system office within 14 days after trap cleaning.
• Inspectors check three years of manifests. Missing records are a violation — even if the trap is empty.

Waste Hauler Requirements

Use a hauler registered with Georgia EPD. The hauler carries a transporter ID on the truck door and provides a spill-response plan on request. All grease trap waste removal must be done by firms holding a current EPD registration and permit number.

Fines and Enforcement

State-Level Penalties

Dumping fryer oil or letting a trap overflow can trigger fines up to $25,000 per day under O.C.G.A. §12-5-52. Section 12-5-51 adds separate liability to the state for damages caused by violations. Businesses that haul or dispose of waste without a valid manifest face fines up to $50,000 per day. Responsible parties may also face up to three years in prison.

Local Penalties

• Atlanta: Civil fines start at $1,000 per day and reach $25,000 for repeat offenders. The city can also cut off utilities. Atlanta can bill for emergency jet-vac work — one Midtown café was charged $2,300 for emergency cleanup.
• Gwinnett County: Fines start at $1,000 for missing paperwork.
• Cobb County: A fine up to $1,000 may be added for each overflow. Owners also pay any fines Georgia EPD charges the county because of grease-related overflows.

Enforcement Mechanisms

Repeat offenders face health-department closure until plumbing is cleared. Any sewer or manhole overflow traced to a failing interceptor results in a service charge for cleanup and wastewater system repair. Atlanta can add an industrial surcharge to water bills for each month a business exceeds local limits.

Major City FOG Programs

Atlanta

All food service owners must submit a permit application, pay fees, and be available for inspections. Fulton County (Atlanta) requires monthly electronic log uploads, an annual $150 interceptor permit, and random grease-trap sampling at the owner's expense. Traps must be cleaned at least every 90 days. Owners must also follow the 25% rule — clean before FOG and food solids together exceed 25% of capacity. Contact the Grease Management Program at 404-546-1503 (Atlanta Watershed Grease Management).

Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County started its FOG prevention program in 2000 under the U.S. Clean Water Act and Georgia Water Quality Control Act. All restaurants and commercial kitchens must install a minimum 1,500-gallon interceptor. Extra capacity is added by installing multiple 1,500-gallon units in series. Pump-out manifests must be emailed within five days of service. Fines start at $1,000 for missing paperwork. Contact the Grease Management Program at 678-376-6713 (Gwinnett DWR contact).

Cobb County

The Cobb County Grease Management Program covers commercial kitchens and cafeterias under Cobb County Code Sections 122-181 and 122-188. It applies to restaurants, schools, daycares, nursing homes, and similar facilities. Exterior traps must be fully pumped at least once every three months. Interior traps require monthly pumping. Cleaning manifests must be submitted within 14 days after service (Cobb County Food Establishments).

Savannah

No new food service business can open until grease-handling equipment is installed and approved. Approval comes from the City of Savannah Public Works and Water Resources Bureau. Chatham County (Savannah) requires sampling ports on any new trap and proof of 24-hour spill response training for staff. Businesses without grease-handling equipment get a compliance deadline of no more than six months from the date of notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must I pump my grease trap in Georgia?

Pump when FOG and settled solids together reach 25% of liquid depth, or at least once every three months — whichever comes first. Some cities require more: Atlanta sets 14 to 90-day intervals by trap type. Cobb County requires monthly pumping for interior traps.

What records must I keep for inspections?

Every load needs a manifest kept on site for three years. Missing records are a violation — even if the trap is empty. Keep both physical and electronic copies. Some counties require electronic submission within 5 to 14 days of service.

Can I use enzymes or additives to extend time between cleanings?

No. Grease enzymes are allowed only as a supplement — never as a replacement for pumping, per the Georgia FOG rule. Enzymes break FOG down briefly. This lets it pass through your trap and cause blockages in city lines. That can result in fines and liability for sewer overflows.

Find Grease Trap Service in Georgia

We list 34 licensed grease trap service providers across Georgia. These companies are registered with Georgia EPD and hold transporter permits under State Rule 391-3-6-.24. Visit our Georgia grease trap service directory to compare providers and request quotes for pump-out service, interceptor installation, and used cooking oil recycling.