What are the grease trap requirements in New Bedford, MA?

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

Do I need a grease trap permit in New Bedford?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in New Bedford. Fee: Annual fee added to water bill (amount not publicly listed).

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

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Per MA DEP 310 CMR 15.230 standards; under-sink traps may be less than 75 gallons. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
New Bedford, MA

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Monthly or when FOG/sludge rea

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Monthly or when FOG/sludge reaches 25% of effective depth, whichever comes first

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Annual fee added to water bill (amount not publicly listed)

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Per MA DEP 310 CMR 15.230 standards; under-sink traps may be less than 75 gallons
Pumping Frequency	Monthly or when FOG/sludge reaches 25% of effective depth, whichever comes first
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Annual fee added to water bill (amount not publicly listed)
Inspections	Weekly self-inspection required; annual professional inspection for small under-sink traps
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Ordinance Ref.	City of New Bedford FOG Program; MA DEP 310 CMR 15.230; 248 CMR 10.09
Authority	City of New Bedford Department of Public Infrastructure, FOG Division; Department of Inspectional Services

Additional Notes

FOG permit valid for 3 years. All grease traps must be inspected weekly and cleaned monthly minimum. Establishments with under-sink traps (<75 gal) may self-inspect weekly but require annual professional cleaning by licensed hauler permitted by Health Department. Records of cleaning, inspections, hauling, and maintenance must be kept on file for 3 years. Discharge of wastewater exceeding 140°F to any grease control device is prohibited. At least one trained employee must be on duty at all times. Clean-up spill stations with grease absorbent pads required.

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