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BELLEVUE FOG REGULATIONS
The City of Bellevue has implemented strict policies regarding the implementation of preventative measures to reduce or eliminate the introduction of various pollutants into Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs). This includes policies to better manage the production of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from its restaurants and various other food service establishments.
Federal and Local FOG Prohibitions
Like several cities in King County, Bellevue has shaped its FOG Regulations and Municipal Code around the Code for Federal Regulations (40 CFR 403.5 (a) and (b) outlined by the EPA and the King County Municipal Code (KCC 28.84.060). Both of these place major limits and prohibitions on waste discharge into POTWs.
Bellevue Municipal Code states all restaurants, cafés, and any other FOG producing establishment are required to have appropriate pretreatment devices installed, including grease traps (BCC 24.04.213). The type of grease trap required for facility is dependent on the volume of FOG it produces. According to Bellevue Utilities:
High volume facilities such as full-menu restaurants, hotels, and school kitchens are required to have higher-capacity grease traps such as a Gravity Grease Interceptor (GGI).
Low volume facilities such as fast-food or take out restaurants are only required to have a lower capacity grease trap, such as a Hydromechanical Grease Interceptor (HGI).
Medium volume facilities grease trap requirements vary depending on facility size.
Similar to other municipalities, Bellevue Utilities recommends reassessing your grease trap maintenance schedule if FOG levels regularly exceed 25% of your grease trap tank capacity.
FOG Best Management Practices
The City of Bellevue has long been at the forefront of developing responsible and economical FOG best management practices (BMPs) for restaurant owners and managers. Dumping oil, pre-rinsing dishes, and putting solid food waste down the drain increases both the rate at which your grease trap fills and the likelihood of a clog or overflow. This can bring a functioning kitchen to a grinding halt. Developing and enforcing reasonable management practices for the collection and disposal of FOG will not only minimize waste discharge, but can also help to minimize maintenance costs.
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Restaurant FAQ
What is a grease trap?
A grease trap is a receptacle into which wastewater containing FOG flows through before entering a drainage system. The receptacle is designed to intercept or “trap” the FOG while allowing clear water to escape.
When should I clean my grease trap?
A good rule of thumb for any cleaning schedule is every one to three months. However, in order to determine if it should be one or three, you will need to follow the 1/4th rule. This rule states that once 1/4th of your grease trap has been filled with fats, oils, grease, and solids (FOGS) it is time for a pump out.
How does SwiftQuote help?
You can create quote requests for individual service providers or all providers in their area. Providers are invited to offer quotes for work and can message you directly through the app to understand the job specifics.
When you are ready simply select your preferred provider and schedule the service. Upon job completion, the provider uploads service details to SwiftQuote, and you can either pay online via credit card or offline directly to the provider.
What does it cost?
SwiftQuote is a free service for businesses. The only thing you pay for is your service booked through the platform.
Are SwiftQuote pump-outs reported to my regulator?
Yes! When services are completed through SwiftQuote, the work order or pumping manifest is automatically submitted to Bellevue’s database through SwiftComply’s compliance software.