FOG Best Management Practices

Image FOG Best Management Practices

Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Best Management Practices

  1. Implement a training program to educate kitchen staff and other employees about how they can help ensure Best Management Practices (BMPs) are followed. People are more willing to support an effort if they understand the basis for it. Please feel free to contact Manatee County Industrial Compliance to obtain assistance in this effort.
  2. Post “NO GREASE” signs above sinks and on the front of dishwashers. The signs will serve as a constant reminder for the staff working in the kitchen.
  3. Always use sink basket strainers to collect food wastes. Never use garbage disposals.
  4. Always dry wipe pots and pans and dishware prior to dishwashing. This will reduce the amount of material going to the grease traps or Interceptors, which will require less frequent cleaning, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
  5. Capture accumulated oil during the cleaning of stoves and ventilation exhaust hoods.  Dispose of through solid waste procedures after absorbing all free liquid.
  6. Solid waste disposal of food waste will reduce the frequency and cost of grease trap or interceptor cleaning.
  7. Use water temperatures less than 140 degrees (Fahrenheit) in all the sinks.  Temperatures in excess of 140 degrees (Fahrenheit) will dissolve grease, but the grease can re-congeal or solidify in the wastewater collection system as the water cools. This has an added benefit for the food service establishment by reducing its costs for the energy used in heating the water.
  8. Eliminate the use of garbage disposals and or food grinders. These devices put large quantities of solids into the collection and treatment systems.
  9. Recycle waste cooking oil through an established, reputable recycling facility. The food service establishment may be paid for the waste material and will reduce the amount of garbage it must pay to have hauled away.
  10. Do not discharge caustics, acids, or solvents to the wastewater collection system. Caustics, acids and solvents can have other harmful effects on the wastewater treatment system and can be hazardous to employees working in the wastewater collection system.
  11. Do not use biological or emulsifying agents without written approval from the Director.