Does Ohio Have A Restaurant Grease Program?

Does Ohio Have A Restaurant Grease Program?

Ohio is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States, known for its rich agricultural resources, bustling cities, and friendly people. When it comes to restaurants operating in the state, there has been a growing concern about the disposal of cooking fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in recent years. This has led many to ask the question, does Ohio have a restaurant grease program?

The simple answer is yes, Ohio has a restaurant grease program in place. In this post, we will discuss the details of the program, its purpose, and how it impacts Ohio’s restaurant industry.

What Is The Ohio Restaurant Grease Program?

The Ohio restaurant grease program is a regulatory program managed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that sets guidelines for the safe and proper disposal of FOG generated by restaurants and other foodservice establishments.

The program requires all Ohio restaurants and foodservice establishments to implement best practices for handling and disposing of FOG to minimize the risk of environmental damage, property damage, and sanitary sewer backups caused by FOG buildup.

Why Is The Ohio Restaurant Grease Program Necessary?

The Ohio restaurant grease program is essential because improperly disposed of FOG can cause significant damage to the environment and infrastructure. When FOG is poured down the drain, it solidifies and accumulates in sewer lines, causing blockages and backups. These blockages can lead to costly repairs and cause sewage to overflow into streets, homes, and waterways, resulting in environmental pollution.

The Ohio EPA also requires restaurant owners to obtain a permit for the discharge of FOG to public sewers. Failure to obtain the permit can result in fines and other legal consequences.

Additionally, improper FOG management can pose a risk to public health. If FOG is not disposed of properly, it can attract pests, including rats and cockroaches, which can carry diseases and contaminate food. Poor FOG management can also put restaurant staff at risk of slips, trips, and falls.

What Are The Requirements Of The Ohio Restaurant Grease Program?

The Ohio restaurant grease program has several requirements that restaurant owners and foodservice establishments must comply with. These include:

1. Installation of Grease Traps: All foodservice establishments are required to install and maintain grease traps to capture FOG before it enters into the sanitary sewer system. The size of the grease trap should be determined based on the establishment’s size, menu, and hours of operation.

2. Regular Maintenance: The restaurant grease program requires restaurant owners to schedule regular maintenance of grease traps to prevent excess buildup of FOG. Grease traps should be cleaned and maintained by a licensed sanitation professional at least once every three months.

3. Proper Disposal: FOG should not be poured down the drain, discarded in the trash or on the ground. Instead, restaurants must use registered FOG haulers to transport the FOG to recycling or disposal facilities.

4. Record Keeping: Restaurant owners must keep records of their FOG management practices, including original receipts of services and dates of pump outs. These records must be kept for three years and readily available for review by the Ohio EPA.

What Does The Ohio Restaurant Grease Program Mean For Restaurant Owners?

Restaurant owners should be aware that the Ohio restaurant grease program is not optional. Compliance with the program’s requirements is mandatory, and restaurant owners who fail to comply may be subject to fines and other legal consequences.

The costs of installing and maintaining grease traps, using FOG haulers, and record-keeping could add up, but they are necessary to comply with the Ohio EPA’s regulations and protect the environment and the public health.

When choosing FOG haulers to transport the FOG, restaurant owners should ensure the haulers are registered with the Ohio EPA and have the required transportation permits. They should also ask for documentation showing where the FOG is being transported, to ensure it is being disposed of properly.

Conclusion

The Ohio restaurant grease program is a necessary regulation aimed at protecting the environment, public health, and infrastructure. The program requires restaurant owners and foodservice establishments to implement best practices for handling and disposing of FOG to minimize the risk of environmental damage, property damage, and public health risks.

Failure to comply with the regulations can result in fines and other legal consequences, so restaurant owners must take their responsibilities under the Ohio restaurant grease program seriously. By doing so, they can contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment and ensure their businesses are compliant with state regulations.

Categorised in: Professional Grease Trap Cleaning