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Staying Compliant: A Guide to FOG Regulations for Restaurants

  • Writer: Tyler Zemantic
    Tyler Zemantic
  • Mar 27
  • 3 min read

Running a commercial kitchen means balancing food quality, staff safety, and smooth operations — but it also means staying compliant with health and environmental regulations. One area that’s often overlooked until there’s a problem? FOG management.


FOG stands for fats, oils, and grease, and how you handle it can determine whether your restaurant avoids costly fines, plumbing issues, or environmental violations. This guide breaks down what FOG compliance means, why it’s important, and how to stay ahead of the rules — with help from trusted partners like Phibro RenewOil.



pvc pip that is clogged with fats, oil, and grease


What Is FOG, and Why Is It Regulated?

FOG includes byproducts from everyday cooking — fryer oil, butter, meat grease, sauces, and more. When washed down the drain, these substances cool and solidify in plumbing systems. The result? Costly blockages, sewer overflows, and damage to municipal infrastructure.

To prevent these problems, most municipalities enforce FOG ordinances that apply to any business with a commercial kitchen.


Learn more:


What Are FOG Regulations?

FOG regulations vary by city or county, but most require the following:

  • Installation and maintenance of grease traps or interceptors

  • Routine grease trap cleanings

  • Proper used cooking oil (UCO) storage and recycling

  • Accurate record keeping

  • Collection by licensed grease haulers


These regulations are enforced by local sewer or environmental authorities. Failure to comply can result in:

  • Plumbing backups

  • Fines and citations

  • Business interruptions

  • Health code violations


5 Steps to Keep Your Kitchen FOG Compliant

1. Install and Maintain a Grease Trap

Grease traps intercept FOG before it enters your drain line. Most commercial kitchens are required to have one installed.


Best practice: Clean your grease trap every 30–90 days depending on kitchen volume, and retain service records.



2. Store and Recycle Your Used Cooking Oil

Used fryer oil must be handled responsibly. Never dump it into sinks or dumpsters. Instead, store it in sealed containers and partner with a licensed collector like Phibro RenewOil for safe pickup and recycling.

We provide:

  • Reliable pickups

  • Lockable containers

  • Environmental reporting for audits

  • Responsible recycling into renewable biofuels


3. Train Your Staff

Proper grease handling starts with your team. Make sure employees:

  • Never pour oil down the drain

  • Scrape food into the trash before rinsing dishes

  • Use strainers in sinks

  • Know where and how to store used oil safely


A quick training at onboarding — and periodic refreshers — go a long way.


4. Keep Accurate Records

During inspections, you’ll be asked for:

  • Grease trap cleaning logs

  • Used oil pickup documentation

  • Training records or grease handling policies

Maintaining these records shows your kitchen is running responsibly and by the book.


5. Understand Local Requirements

Different cities and counties have different FOG laws. Some require FOG plans or device permits. Others mandate trap size based on kitchen output.


*Tip: Call your local water or sewer authority to review your kitchen’s compliance. Need help? Phibro RenewOil’s team can guide you through the process.



Why Compliance Makes Good Business Sense

Staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding fines. It helps you:

  • Prevent costly plumbing backups and downtime

  • Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment

  • Build credibility with customers and inspectors

  • Support sustainability through used cooking oil recycling


It also ensures your business is doing its part to protect local waterways and infrastructure — something your customers increasingly care about.


Let Phibro RenewOil Help You Stay Compliant

Phibro RenewOil partners with restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, and institutional kitchens across the Northeast to provide:

  • Licensed used cooking oil collection

  • Grease trap and interceptor service

  • 24/7 customer support

  • Real-time service tracking


We make FOG compliance simple — so you can focus on running your kitchen.


Final Thoughts

FOG compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right systems and partners in place, you can keep your kitchen running smoothly, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your community’s environment.


If you’re unsure whether your current grease management program meets local requirements, we’re here to help.





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