Any commercial kitchen in Miami is required to be in compliance with the county’s fats, oils and grease (FOG) disposal requirements. While always stringent, the code requirements for Miami-Dade have stiffened up even further in recent years in an effort to move toward a zero-grease waste factor.

FOG Requirements for Miami-Dade

Per the Environmental Code of Miami-Dade County, even FOG concentrations as low as 150 mg/L can impact sewage collection, transmission and treatment facilities. Sewer issues related to oils and grease can lead to backed-up water flow, overflows, and other city-wide problems due to FOG in the pipes.

To eliminate grease from sewage systems, commercial kitchens are required to have grease interceptors (also known as grease traps). Grease traps work by offering a holding tank for hot greasy water to cool. As the water cools in the grease interceptor, the grease and oil in the water separate and float to the top of the trap. The cooler water (now free of grease and oil) sinks and flows down the pipe and into the sewer system.

Best Grease Traps for Your Miami Restaurant

For some commercial kitchens, abiding by the new regulations may mean getting a bigger tank or a double tank with newer technology to achieve the zero-waste goals set by many Florida cities and counties. As you look for the best grease trap for your restaurant, here are some things to keep in mind:

● Capacity – Ensure that the trap you choose can handle the amount of work it will have to do. If the trap is too small for your needs, you’ll end up cleaning it more frequently and could also be out of compliance. A quality trap that is easy to clean and maintain will save you time and keep you in compliance.

● Space – Depending on your restaurant design and location, the trap may be located inside or outside. When inside, they’re usually beneath the sink or flooring. When outside, they’re near the kitchen and often hidden under a manhole cover.

● Type – Common types include gravity traps, automatic grease traps, and hydromechanical grease traps.

For help understanding the differences between grease traps and restaurant compliance regulations in SoFla, get in touch with our team at Seacoast Construction.