Grease Trap Requirements
Detroit, MI
FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Detroit, Michigan. Serving 3,509 food service establishments.
Pumping Requirements
Permits & Enforcement
Complete FOG Regulations
| Minimum Trap Size | 1,000 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors per Michigan Plumbing Code; smaller hydromechanical units as permitted by code for lower-volume establishments |
|---|---|
| Pumping Frequency | Every 90 days minimum or more frequently as needed to maintain proper operation |
| 25% Rule | Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Permit Fee | No separate published FOG permit fee; covered under DWSD industrial pretreatment permit |
| Maximum Fine | $10,000 per violation per day; subject to surcharges and cost recovery |
| Inspections | Annual inspections; DWSD may inspect more frequently for problem facilities |
| Record Keeping | Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site |
| Plumbing Code | Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) |
| Ordinance Ref. | Michigan Plumbing Code, Section 1003 - Traps, Interceptors, and Separators; Detroit City Code Chapter 56 - Sewers |
| Authority | Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) - Industrial Pretreatment Program |
Additional Notes
Michigan adopted a plumbing code based on the UPC framework. DWSD oversees FOG compliance through its Industrial Pretreatment program. All FSEs discharging to the city sewer must have properly sized and maintained interceptors. Gravity interceptors must meet minimum 1,000-gallon capacity per Michigan code. Records must be maintained for at least 3 years. Contact: (313) 267-8000
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.
Contact Information
Detroit Water & Sewerage Department: (313) 267-8000
Official Sources
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