What are the grease trap requirements in Boston, MA?

Food service establishments in Boston must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Boston?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 500 gallons minimum for in-ground gravity grease interceptors; smaller under-sink units (up to 100 GPM) allowed for limited-menu facilities per Massachusetts Plumbing Code sizing tables. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Boston, MA

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Boston?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Boston. Fee: No separate annual FOG permit fee; site plan review fees apply for new installations.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Boston, Massachusetts. Serving 2,668 food service establishments.

Quarterly minimum (every 90 da

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Quarterly minimum (every 90 days); must be pumped before grease and solids exceed 25% of effective depth

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee No separate annual FOG permit fee; site plan review fees apply for new installations

Max Fine $25,000 per violation per day under Clean Water Act provisions; BWSC enforcement fines up to $5,000 per violation

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	500 gallons minimum for in-ground gravity grease interceptors; smaller under-sink units (up to 100 GPM) allowed for limited-menu facilities per Massachusetts Plumbing Code sizing tables
Pumping Frequency	Quarterly minimum (every 90 days); must be pumped before grease and solids exceed 25% of effective depth
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	No separate annual FOG permit fee; site plan review fees apply for new installations
Maximum Fine	$25,000 per violation per day under Clean Water Act provisions; BWSC enforcement fines up to $5,000 per violation
Inspections	Annual inspections by BWSC; follow-up inspections for non-compliant facilities
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Ordinance Ref.	Massachusetts Plumbing Code 248 CMR 10.09 - Interceptors, Separators, and Holding Tanks; BWSC Sewer Use Regulations
Authority	Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC)

Additional Notes

Massachusetts adopted the IPC as basis for state plumbing code (248 CMR). BWSC publishes Commercial Kitchen Grease Trap Guidelines. Large in-ground interceptors (500+ gallons) are standard for full-service restaurants. Grease trap cleaning records and hauler manifests must be maintained on-site for 3 years. Contact: (617) 989-7800 or (617) 989-7299

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.