Business Best Practices: Food Waste Clean Up

When it comes to grease at home, the rule is: don’t pour it down the drain, let it cool and put it in the trash. Restaurants and other food service businesses should avoid seepage in storm drains too. 

Food Service Businesses, when it comes to grease, food waste and chemicals used fro cleaning or other purposes, make sure you follow guidelines for proper disposal. 

Illicit discharges can result in fines. This means if chemicals, grease or other food waste are being disposed of improperly, not only are you polluting our local waterways, you and your business may be fined. 

Food Service Businesses should have a policy in place for staff to follow that includes clean up and maintenance in compliance with the City's best practices:

1. Connect drains to the sewer system to prevent waste from entering storm drains
2. Dispose of wash water into sink, toilet, or floor drains
3. Clean floor mats, range hoods, filters, garbage cans, and carts in a utility or mop sink or floor area which connects to the sewer
4. Maintain sewer laterals and grease traps on a routine basis
5. Dispose of grease properly, regularly schedule pick-ups and check dumpsters for repairs
6. Keep lids closed and regularly clean and sweep outdoor areas