Grease Interceptor Sizing Calculator

Waste Manifest (Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest) — All grease trap and interceptor pump-outs in FL require a waste manifest signed by the generator (restaurant), the transporter (pump truck company), and the disposal facility. Keep copies on-site for minimum 3 years.

Licensed Waste Hauler Required — FL requires a licensed waste transporter. In most FL counties, the transporter must be registered with the local wastewater utility. Unlicensed haulers = immediate DBPR violation + fines up to $5,000.

Record Keeping — Florida restaurant license requires proof of grease maintenance. Keep: pump-out receipts, manifests, service records. DBPR inspector will request these during routine inspection. Missing records = citation.

25% Rule — Many FL county wastewater authorities enforce the "25% rule": when combined FOG and solids reach 25% of interceptor capacity, it must be pumped. This typically means pumping before you think you need to.

FPC Section 1003 — Grease Interceptors — The Florida Plumbing Code requires a grease interceptor when the installation will receive grease-laden wastes from commercial food service. Size determined by PDI G101 method. Permit required for installation and replacement.

DBPR Chapter 509 — Restaurant License — FL food service license requires grease management plan. DBPR inspectors check: device present, accessible, properly maintained, records available. Annual inspection may include grease device check. Non-compliant device = critical violation.

Grease Trap vs Grease Interceptor — Grease TRAP: under-sink, small volume (10–100 gallons), requires weekly cleaning, for low-volume use. Grease INTERCEPTOR: outdoor, large volume (500–5,000 gallons), monthly pumping minimum, for most FL restaurants. FL county wastewater authorities often require interceptors over traps for full-service restaurants.

No Garbage Disposals (FL Rule) — FL DBPR and most FL wastewater authorities prohibit garbage disposals (food grinders) from being connected to any drain that flows to a grease interceptor. Food solids rapidly fill interceptors and violate capacity calculations. Disposals may only drain to solid waste.

High-Temperature Water Concern — Water above 140°F liquefies FOG, which then re-conglomerates downstream in the sewer — actually increasing blockage risk. FL DBPR recommends interceptors rated for high-temperature inlet. Some FL utilities require a cooling chamber before interceptor for water above 140°F.

FOG Program Registration — Most FL cities (Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, etc.) require commercial food service establishments to register with the local FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease) program. Registration includes interceptor location, size, and pumping schedule. Annual fee: $50–$200 typical. Failure to register = utility fine.

Automatic Grease Removal (AGR) Units — Some FL authorities accept AGR/AGI (Automatic Grease Interceptor) units as alternatives to traditional interceptors for smaller establishments. AGR units skim and store FOG continuously. Requires daily maintenance, weekly waste removal. Check with local authority before installing.