Running a commercial kitchen comes with many responsibilities, and one critical area that’s often overlooked is managing fats, oils, and grease (FOG). Installing a commercial grease trap is essential to prevent blocked drains, comply with regulations, and maintain hygiene standards. Whether you’re running a small café or a busy restaurant, grease trap installation plays a vital role in keeping your kitchen operations smooth and compliant with FOG legislation.
What Is a Grease Trap in a Commercial Kitchen?
A grease trap for a commercial kitchen is a unit that captures fats, oils, and grease before they enter the drainage system. Installed under sinks or externally, it allows water to flow through while separating grease and other solids. The collected waste stays in the trap until it’s emptied and cleaned. Without a grease trap, these substances could clog your pipes, cause unpleasant odours, and even result in costly fines for non-compliance.
There are different types of grease traps, such as internal passive grease traps, which are smaller and more suited to light use, and external passive grease traps, designed for larger operations. Some commercial kitchens also opt for grease recovery units (GRUs), which can process and recycle grease for other uses.
Does My Commercial Kitchen Need a Grease Trap?
In most cases, yes. If your business involves cooking or serving hot food, you’ll likely need a grease trap for your kitchen sinks. This applies to various food-related industries, such as:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Pubs and bars with food preparation areas
- Takeaways and fast-food
- Hotels, schools, and hospitals
- Food manufacturers and catering services
Even businesses, such as coffee shops or bakeries, can benefit from grease trap installation to prevent blockages and comply with environmental regulations. A professional grease management plan will help you identify the most suitable solution for your needs. Contact Filta for expert advice on managing FOG.
What Size Grease Trap Do I Need for a Small Restaurant?
Choosing the right size of a grease trap for a commercial kitchen depends on your business type and the volume of food you prepare. For smaller establishments, such as cafés or small takeaways, an internal passive grease trap may be sufficient. On the other hand, larger restaurants and fast-food outlets with higher grease output may require a larger solution that can handle a higher volume of wastewater. E.g. an external passive grease trap or a grease recovery unit.
At Filta, we assess your site and recommend the best option, including the Filta Cyclone grease recovery unit or a custom option designed to meet your needs. Bespoke grease traps can be tailored to match the specific demands of your kitchen, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
Is My Commercial Kitchen Legally Required to Have a Grease Trap?
Yes, in the UK, most commercial kitchens are legally required to have a grease trap to comply with regulations aimed at preventing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the drainage system. Water authorities may enforce these requirements under the Water Industry Act 1991. Ensuring compliance helps avoid blockages, fines, and environmental damage.
For more details on FOG regulations, check out our guide to FOG legislation.
Grease Collection from Filta Cyclone
The Filta Cyclone is a market-leading, highly efficient grease recovery unit that delivers exceptional FOG retention while consuming significantly less energy than traditional GRUs. Equipped with eight independent hydro cyclones and a two-stage FOG separation and recovery system, it’s specifically designed to separate and recover grease, to not only help keep your kitchen compliant with FOG regulations but generate oil for recycled use.
Filta offers a full-service solution, including grease collection and waste disposal. If you’d prefer to recycle or repurpose the grease collected, we can help with that too. Using the Filta Cyclone ensures that your kitchen’s grease is managed responsibly, helping you avoid blockages and fines while protecting the environment.
FOG Collection Tips, Advice & Guides
No matter what type of grease trap you install, to keep your unit functioning at its best regular grease trap maintenance is needed, such as:
- Schedule regular cleaning and professional servicing.
- Scrape food waste and grease into bins before washing dishes.
- Avoid pouring fats and oils directly down the sink.
For more detailed advice, read our grease trap cleaning FAQs.
By investing in the right grease filters for commercial kitchens and maintaining them properly, you’ll protect your business from costly blockages and stay compliant with FOG regulations. For more information on grease trap installation, contact Filta today.