Grease Trap Regulations in New Brunswick

Overview

New Brunswick handles fats, oils, and grease (FOG) at the municipal level. Each city or town writes its own sewer bylaw and grease trap rules. The Department of Environment and Local Government sets provincial policy. Day-to-day FOG enforcement falls to local staff in cities like Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton. Restaurant owners must follow their local rules. Those rules cover grease interceptor installation, upkeep, and records. At the federal level, the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (SOR/2012-139) set minimum national effluent standards. These apply to all municipal wastewater systems in the province. They are the floor that local bylaws build on.

Governing Authorities

The Department of Environment and Local Government sets environmental policy for the province. Day-to-day FOG work happens at the city level. Major cities run their own water and sewer utilities with dedicated staff. Operators should call their local government to confirm rules. Details vary from city to city. There is no single provincial grease trap authority. Each city manages its own program.

Key local authorities are the City of Moncton, City of Saint John, and City of Fredericton. Each has its own sewer use by-law that covers commercial grease management. Smaller cities and towns also have their own rules.

Key Requirements

Grease trap rules in New Brunswick vary by city. Food service kitchens must install a properly sized grease removal device. The size depends on your kitchen type and volume. Common rules include:

• Install approved grease traps or interceptors in all food prep kitchens
• Keep FOG below 25% of device capacity at all times
• Use licensed waste haulers for grease removal and disposal
• Keep cleaning records and waste manifests on file for inspection
• No enzymes, emulsifiers, or hot water flushing to break down grease
• Train staff on proper FOG handling and disposal

Cleaning frequency varies by city and device type. Small under-sink traps may need weekly cleaning. Larger in-ground interceptors usually need pumping every three months. High-volume kitchens may need more frequent service. Some cities require manifests for each cleaning visit. Call your local by-law office for the schedule that applies to you.

Fines and Enforcement

Each city sets its own fines and enforcement steps. Penalties differ across New Brunswick. Cities focus on education first. Inspectors visit kitchens and explain the rules. When education and cooperation do not work, they issue fines. Not following grease trap rules can lead to warnings, fines, mandatory cleaning orders, and even business closure.

Fine amounts vary by city. Consult the relevant municipal by-law office or the Provincial Offences Procedure Act schedule for current amounts. Daily penalties can apply for ongoing violations. Cities can also bill non-compliant kitchens for emergency cleaning. Sewer repair costs and cleanup bills may also be charged. These bills can be substantial.

Routine inspections by city staff keep operators on track. Inspectors may visit with or without notice.

Major City FOG Programs

Moncton

Moncton is New Brunswick's largest city. By-Law P-215 (Wastewater and Stormwater) governs commercial grease management. It bans food prep kitchens from operating without an interceptor. The interceptor must capture grease before it enters the city system. Call Moncton's by-law enforcement division. Confirm interceptor sizing, cleaning frequency, and record rules for your kitchen. Ask for the current version of By-Law P-215.

Saint John

The City of Saint John follows its By-Law respecting Water and Sewerage, as amended by Law Number M-16. This by-law covers commercial FOG management. Food service kitchens must install and maintain grease removal devices to city standards. The city works with operators first. Enforcement follows if needed.

Fredericton

Fredericton's responsible sewer use guidelines require food service establishments to maintain CSA B481-approved grease trap equipment. Chemical or biological additives that bypass or liquefy grease are banned. Fredericton also requires monthly tracking and reporting of maintenance. You must report through the city's water and sewer utility. Call the City of Fredericton's by-law office to confirm current rules for your kitchen.

Other Municipalities

Smaller communities across New Brunswick — including Bathurst, Miramichi, Edmundston, and Dieppe — have their own sewer use rules. These may differ from larger cities. Do not assume the same rules apply everywhere. Check local by-law rules before opening or expanding your food service operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to clean my grease trap in New Brunswick?

It depends on your city and device type. Small under-sink traps usually need weekly cleaning by kitchen staff. Larger in-ground interceptors usually need pumping every 90 days. The 25% rule applies in most cities. Clean before FOG and solids reach 25% of total capacity. High-volume kitchens may need more frequent service. When in doubt, inspect more often. A measuring rod and a log sheet are your best tools. Call your local by-law office for your exact requirements.

What records do I need to keep for grease trap maintenance?

Keep full records of all grease trap cleaning. You usually need: dates and times of cleaning, service provider name, volume of waste removed, hauler manifests, and any repairs or issues. Retention rules vary by city. Fredericton requires monthly tracking and reporting of maintenance. Check with your local by-law office for the period that applies to you. Good records protect you during inspections. They also prove you are following the rules.

Can I use enzymes or additives to reduce grease trap cleaning?

No. Enzymes, bacteria, emulsifiers, and solvents are banned under most New Brunswick sewer use by-laws. These products do not remove grease. They push it through your trap into the city sewer. This causes blockages and overflows. The only approved method is physical removal by licensed haulers. Hot water flushing to liquefy grease is also banned. These rules are consistent across most New Brunswick cities.

Find Grease Trap Service in New Brunswick

Our directory lists 8 grease trap service providers in New Brunswick. They cover Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, and nearby areas. These licensed contractors offer routine upkeep, emergency cleaning, waste hauling, and compliance paperwork. A good service provider will help you stay on schedule. They will also give you the records you need for inspections. Visit our New Brunswick grease trap service directory to find providers near you and request quotes.