Grease Traps Legislation Explained

Laws and Legislation

It is a legal requirement for any business dealing with hot food to install and maintain a suitable grease trap. Understanding your responsibilities, where your business stands and fully complying with legislature will avoid any costly fines and penalties.
There is much legislation which references the issues surrounding best practice and correct disposal of fats, oils and grease (FOG).
The British Building Regulations states that a commercial food premises serving hot food and that is connected to the mains drainage system should be fitted with a grease trap / separator. 
The Water Industry Act 1991 states that it is a criminal offence to permit any matter to enter drainage systems which may impede the natural flow of waste water.
A Duty of Care in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 means that all waste must be disposed of in accordance with section 34. There is also a Statutory Nuisance area which covers any complaints made regarding smells and accumulation of waste etc. Under section 80, failure to act accordingly and comply with local authority directives could result in prosecution. 
The Building Act 1984 states in section 59 that a local authority has the power to require satisfactory drainage, meaning that the installation of an adequate grease trap can be enforced.
In accordance to the Food Safety Act 1990, any build up or blockage caused by fats, oils and greases in drains fails to comply with food hygiene regulations. This could have serious repercussions for businesses.
All cleaning and disposal of oils, fats and grease must be carried out by a licensed waste carrier in accordance with the Animal By-Products Regulations EC 1774/2002.
Grease traps must comply with BS EN 1825-1:2004 and be designed in accordance with BS EN 1824-2:2002.
It is also worth noting that the detailed keeping of all records of maintenance is vital; they should be kept onsite and must be available for inspection on request.
The growing concern surrounding the correct disposal of waste matters is a key issue that is being more strongly enforced. Fines and cleaning bills, running into many thousands of pounds, are being issued to offending businesses without the necessary preventative measures in place to prevent FOG products from entering the public drainage system'.

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(All points are intended as a guideline only and may be subject to amendment)