Why install a grease trap in your restaurant?
Restaurant and commercial kitchens produce wastewater containing grease, oils, and food waste. If not treated before entering the drainage system, these substances build up inside pipes, causing blockages and pollution. Installing a grease trap prevents this by separating fats from wastewater before it reaches the public sewage system.
What is a grease trap?
A grease trap is a device designed to capture grease, oils, and solid waste at the source. Installed before wastewater enters the drainage network, it prevents pollution and protects plumbing systems. It can be installed above ground or underground, depending on the type of kitchen (restaurants, hotels, hospitals, school canteens, etc.).
How does it work?
Wastewater enters the trap, where:
- A filter removes solid waste
- Grease, being lighter than water, rises to the surface
- Cleaned water flows safely into the drainage system
Regulations in France
French law requires food businesses (restaurants, bakeries, butchers, caterers, etc.) to pre-treat greasy wastewater before discharge. Installing a grease trap is therefore mandatory. The unit must be accessible for maintenance and regularly cleaned (typically 2 to 5 times per year). Waste collection must follow specific procedures, often handled by specialized companies. Financial support may be available from local authorities.
How to choose a grease trap?
The right model depends on your kitchen size and activity:
- Mobile units: for food trucks or temporary setups
- Under-sink units: for small restaurants
- Large-capacity systems: for high-volume kitchens
- Underground models: for large commercial facilities
Choosing the correct size and type ensures efficient operation and compliance with regulations.
Related products
Frequently Asked Questions
A grease trap captures fats, oils and solid waste from kitchen wastewater before it is discharged into the drainage network. It helps prevent blocked pipes, unpleasant odours and disruption to the public sewage system.
The choice depends on the type of kitchen, the volume of wastewater produced, the number of meals or covers served, the number of connected appliances and the available installation space. Correct sizing ensures efficient grease separation and compliance with installation requirements.
Grease traps and grease separators are intended for establishments that produce wastewater containing fats and oils, including restaurants, hotels, canteens, hospitals, nursing homes, caterers and other food service businesses. Applicable requirements may vary depending on local regulations and the requirements of the drainage network operator.
Kitchen wastewater enters the grease trap. Solid waste is retained by a filter or basket, while fats and grease, which are lighter than water, rise to the surface. Heavier materials settle at the bottom of the tank. The water, separated from the main pollutants, can then be discharged into the drainage network.
A grease trap, also known as a grease separator, is a device installed upstream of the drainage network. It separates fats, oils and solid waste from wastewater in order to protect pipes and sewage infrastructure. It can be installed above ground or underground, depending on the site configuration and the establishment’s requirements.
Maintenance includes regularly removing the grease accumulated on the surface, cleaning the basket or filter, removing solid waste, emptying the tank and cleaning its walls. Emptying operations should be carried out by a specialist company whenever required.
A grease trap captures fats, oils and solid waste from kitchen wastewater before it is discharged into the drainage network. It helps prevent blocked pipes, unpleasant odours and disruption to the public sewage system.
Kitchen wastewater enters the grease trap. Solid waste is retained by a filter or basket, while fats and grease, which are lighter than water, rise to the surface. Heavier materials settle at the bottom of the tank. The water, separated from the main pollutants, can then be discharged into the drainage network.
The choice depends on the type of kitchen, the volume of wastewater produced, the number of meals or covers served, the number of connected appliances and the available installation space. Correct sizing ensures efficient grease separation and compliance with installation requirements.
A grease trap, also known as a grease separator, is a device installed upstream of the drainage network. It separates fats, oils and solid waste from wastewater in order to protect pipes and sewage infrastructure. It can be installed above ground or underground, depending on the site configuration and the establishment’s requirements.
Grease traps and grease separators are intended for establishments that produce wastewater containing fats and oils, including restaurants, hotels, canteens, hospitals, nursing homes, caterers and other food service businesses. Applicable requirements may vary depending on local regulations and the requirements of the drainage network operator.
Maintenance includes regularly removing the grease accumulated on the surface, cleaning the basket or filter, removing solid waste, emptying the tank and cleaning its walls. Emptying operations should be carried out by a specialist company whenever required.