What are the grease trap requirements in New York, NY?

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

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

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Determined by fixture count and flow rate per NYC Plumbing Code Section 1003.3; gravity interceptors sized per ASME A112.14.3 (typically 750-2000 gallons for FSEs); under-sink traps (hydromechanical) rated at minimum 20 GPM for smaller operations. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
New York, NY

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in New York?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in New York. Fee: No separate FOG permit fee; covered under sewer connection/discharge permits. DEP may require a Wastewater Discharge Permit for significant facilities.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in New York, New York. Serving 24,639 food service establishments.

As needed to prevent discharge

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (NYC Plumbing Code based on International Plumbing Code with local amendments)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency As needed to prevent discharge exceeding 100 mg/L FOG; NYC DEP recommends at minimum every 90 days; must be pumped before grease and solids accumulation exceeds 25% of wetted depth

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee No separate FOG permit fee; covered under sewer connection/discharge permits. DEP may require a Wastewater Discharge Permit for significant facilities

Max Fine $25,000 per day per violation under NYC Administrative Code Title 24; additional civil penalties possible

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Determined by fixture count and flow rate per NYC Plumbing Code Section 1003.3; gravity interceptors sized per ASME A112.14.3 (typically 750-2000 gallons for FSEs); under-sink traps (hydromechanical) rated at minimum 20 GPM for smaller operations
Pumping Frequency	As needed to prevent discharge exceeding 100 mg/L FOG; NYC DEP recommends at minimum every 90 days; must be pumped before grease and solids accumulation exceeds 25% of wetted depth
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	No separate FOG permit fee; covered under sewer connection/discharge permits. DEP may require a Wastewater Discharge Permit for significant facilities
Maximum Fine	$25,000 per day per violation under NYC Administrative Code Title 24; additional civil penalties possible
Inspections	DEP conducts inspections as needed, typically annually for FSEs with compliance issues; self-monitoring required
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (NYC Plumbing Code based on International Plumbing Code with local amendments)
Ordinance Ref.	NYC Plumbing Code Sections 1003.3.1 through 1003.3.4.2; NYC Administrative Code Title 24, Chapter 5 (Sewer regulations); 15 RCNY Chapter 19
Authority	NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Additional Notes

NYC requires grease interceptors for all food service establishments. Automatic grease removal devices (AGRDs) may be approved as alternatives. The NYC Plumbing Code was originally based on the 2003 IPC with significant local amendments. Hauled grease must be transported by licensed waste haulers. NYC DEP's BMP (Best Management Practices) program requires kitchen staff training.

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

Phone (212-639-9675

NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): 311 or (212) NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) from outside New York City

Official Sources

Size Your Grease Trap for New York

Our free calculator uses IPC (NYC Plumbing Code based on International Plumbing Code with local amendments) code requirements to recommend the right size.

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