Grease waste management is an important aspect of maintaining environmental health and safety. In Florida, specific rules ensure the proper disposal and treatment of grease waste. You care about the environment. You should know these guidelines. They affect businesses and people in the state.

In 2022, the Florida Senate passed Bill 1110. It created new rules for grease waste haulers and disposal facilities. It added section 403.0741 to the Florida Statutes. This law requires grease waste haulers to dispose of grease waste at specific sites. This waste includes waste from grease interceptors, traps, and graywater. Furthermore, they must document grease waste removal and disposal with service records. This will ensure proper disposal. It will also help track and monitor grease waste in Florida.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection governs these regulations. They hold workshops and rulemaking sessions. These are to evaluate and update the guidelines as needed. Knowing the laws and requirements on grease waste in Florida can help you stay informed. You can play your part in keeping a cleaner and greener state for everyone.

Legislative Framework

Senate Bill 1110 Compliance

In 2022, the Florida legislature passed a law. It is focused on managing and disposing of grease waste. This legislation is known as Senate Bill 1110. It now requires grease waste haulers to dispose of waste at authorized facilities. This includes waste from grease interceptors, traps, and graywater. As a business owner or grease waste hauler, you need to be aware of these requirements and adhere to them.

Complying with this law also involves documenting grease waste removal and disposal. You do this with a service record containing key details like date, time, and amounts of waste removed. Keeping these records helps ensure that you follow the rules. They allow for easy reference by regulators or inspectors if needed.

Statewide Regulatory Landscape

Florida has crafted the rules about grease waste. They are to promote responsible waste management. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection oversees this framework. It includes rules for different waste types. These types include hazardous waste and recovered materials. It also includes rules for county and regional waste programs.

In this regulation, the Florida Administrative Code defines disposal facilities and graywater. It clarifies the kinds of waste and facilities affected by these rules. This makes it easier for you to understand what’s expected of your waste processes. It shows how to stay in compliance.

Draft Rules for Grease Waste Management

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection held a workshop on March 22, 2024. They discussed changes to Chapter 62-705 of the Florida Administrative Code. The chapter covers Grease Waste Removal and Disposal. The workshop aimed to get feedback and input from stakeholders. The goal was to improve and refine the rules for managing grease waste.

You are a stakeholder in the process. It’s good for you to stay updated on these changes. You should also take part in the rulemaking as needed. This engagement can make sure the changing rules and regulations meet everyone’s needs. This includes your business.

Local Government Contribution

Miami-Dade County Initiatives

In Miami-Dade County, the local government has implemented many grease disposal initiatives. The aim is to protect the environment and public health. If you own a food service establishment in Miami-Dade County, you must follow the county’s grease trap rules. This will help you to avoid expensive fines. It will ensure that grease is removed properly and that the environment stays clean.

For more information here is the latest bill as of March 2024

Your establishment should have a properly sized grease trap. It should capture grease waste from your operations. It’s also important to clean the grease trap regularly. This keeps it working well. The county requires these traps to be cleaned at least once every 90 days.

Also, apart from grease trap rules. Miami-Dade County encourages food places to follow best practices. They aim to reduce the impact of grease waste on the environment. These BMPs include:

• Regularly inspecting your grease trap
• Properly disposing of grease waste and solid waste
• Training staff on appropriate waste management procedures

Tampa’s Grease Management Reinforcement

In Tampa, the local government has a tougher approach to grease management. They have a grease management ordinance. This ordinance outlines the rules for grease waste removal and disposal. It is crucial for food service places to follow them.

Tampa is reinforcing grease management. The local government seeks to get reports of violations. It also wants to collect fines from non-compliant establishments. This shows the city is committed to managing grease waste. They want to keep your local environment safe.

To achieve these goals, you need to follow Tampa’s grease management regulations. You need to follow the guidelines below:

1. Install and maintain a grease trap. Make sure it is the right size and works as the city requires.
2. Schedule and document regular cleanings. Do them on time and keep a record of them. This is evidence of compliance with grease trap rules.
3. Ensure proper waste disposal. Dispose of your grease waste at approved facilities. This prevents harm to the environment.

Technological Innovations

Grease Trap Enhancements

Grease waste management is always changing. There have been big advances in grease trap technology. It can help your Florida restaurant. One notable development is the use of automatic grease removal devices (AGRDs). They can greatly improve your establishment’s grease system.

AGRDs remove grease from the trap. This reduces the need for manual cleanouts and the risk of costly blockages. They are very useful for Florida food service establishments. Grease rules there are strict. Here’s a brief overview of the main features of AGRDs:

• Automated Grease Separation: Separates grease from wastewater. This prevents solid buildup and limits the risk of blockages.
• Automated Grease Removal: It removes grease from the trap. This stops the need for manual cleaning. It also ensures compliance with Florida’s grease waste rules.
• Easy Maintenance: AGRDs are made for convenience and easy maintenance. They ensure that your establishment complies with regulations. They also cut disruptions to your operations.

Drainage Solution Implementations

Another key aspect is the use of innovative drainage systems in Florida. They can stop food solids from entering the grease trap and sewer system. Some common drainage solutions include:

1. Floor troughs and grates can help capture large food particles. This stops the particles from entering the drain and causing blockages.
2. Drain strainers are installed in sink drains to catch food solids. They ensure that only wastewater enters the sewer.
3. Solids Interceptors are installed in the drain line. They act as a second trap for capturing food solids before they reach the grease trap. This reduces blockage risk. It also ensures compliance with Florida grease waste rules.

Best Management Practices

Grease Interceptor Upgrades

Upgrading your grease interceptor is essential. It’s a key step in following Florida’s best practices for grease waste disposal. Modern zero-waste grease interceptors separate grease from wastewater well. They reduce the amount of grease that enters the sewer system. Picking a properly sized interceptor is important. You must install it in line with Florida’s rules.

In addition, regularly inspect and maintain your grease interceptor to ensure optimal performance. This includes checking for leaks or damage. It also means scheduling routine cleanings by a professional grease waste hauler.

Preventative Measures for Fatbergs

Fatbergs are big masses of fats, oils, and grease (FOG). They can block sewers and cause costly repairs and environmental issues. To comply with fatberg prevention rules, you must use proper FOG management. This will protect your business.

Here are some preventative measures you can implement:

• Educate staff. Train them on proper disposal of FOG. Emphasize the importance of never pouring grease down the drain.
• Use mesh drain strainers. Install them in your kitchen sinks and floor drains. They capture food and stop it from entering the grease interceptor.
• Dispose of oil and grease properly. Collect used cooking oil and grease in a designated container for disposal. Avoid washing them down the drain.
• Clean kitchen equipment regularly. Clean your grills, fryers, and other grease-making appliances often. This reduces the FOG going into the drainage system.
• Implement recycling programs. Consider recycling your used cooking oil. You can do this through a contracted service or by a local program. This reduces waste entering sewers. It also supports sustainability.

Environmental Considerations

Impact on Sewage Systems

Florida’s sewers are vital infrastructure. They must be protected from improper grease disposal. It is vital to understand this: improper disposal of grease can harm Florida. Mismanaged grease causes blockages, overflows, and costly repairs.

To protect your sewage systems. You should know the Florida rules for managing grease waste. These regulations set guidelines on proper grease waste removal and disposal methods. Follow these rules. They can stop harm to sewage systems and the environment.

Sustainable Waste Disposal Methods

In Florida, if you are responsible, you can use these sustainable ways to dispose of waste. They will reduce any harm to the environment.

1. Use grease interceptors. They capture and remove fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from your wastewater. They do this before it enters the sewage system.
2. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: Keep them clean to keep them working well. This prevents clogging.
3. Dispose of grease properly. Collect and store grease waste in a designated container. Avoid dumping it into drains, sinks, or the sewage system.
4. Use approved grease waste haulers. They will take your waste to a permitted disposal facility.

Inspection and Enforcement

Licensed Haulers and Compliance

In Florida, food processing and service establishments must follow specific grease waste rules. This is especially true when choosing licensed grease waste haulers. Haulers must be well trained. They need to understand and follow all relevant grease management rules. This will keep Florida’s sewer systems safe and sustainable.

Several provisions have been implemented to ensure proper waste disposal. It starts on July 1, 2022. Both the grease producer and hauler must keep a signed service form for one year. This manifest documents the removal and disposal of grease waste. It follows Chapter 62-705 of the Florida Administrative Code1.

Sanitary Sewer Overflows Prevention

Improperly disposing of grease waste may harm the sewer. This harm leads to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). Preventing these overflows is a high priority within Florida’s grease management regulations. These preventive measures have two essential parts. They are installing grease interceptors at food processing establishments. And, they are following recommended inspection and maintenance schedules.

Choose a reliable waste hauler. Make sure that they comply with the Florida Administrative Code 62-7402. It provides rules to protect the environment and to facilitate waste disposal. Following these rules helps protect Florida’s sewer system. It also stops sewer overflows, which would harm people and the environment.

Infrastructure Maintenance

Sewer Line Preservation

To keep Florida’s sewer system working well, we must maintain the sewer lines. We need to stop blockages from grease waste. Blockages in sewer pipes can lead to costly repairs and environmental damage. Florida has responded. It has implemented grease waste rules. They are aimed at preserving infrastructure and cutting the risk of sewer blockages.

As a property owner or facility manager, you play a vital role in sewer line preservation. To avoid blockages in your drain and sewer pipes, be sure to:

1. Implement regular inspection and cleaning routines for your sewer lines.
2. Properly dispose of grease waste, avoiding direct disposal into the sewer system.
3. Educate employees and occupants about the importance of proper grease disposal.

Grease Management in Facility Operations

Proper grease management is vital for your facility. It stops sewer blockages and follows Florida regulations. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Set up designated areas for grease waste disposal. Use grease traps or interceptors.
• Ensure regular maintenance and cleaning of grease traps to prevent overflow and buildup.
• Train staff to separate grease from other waste. They should dispose of it correctly.
• Keep records of grease waste removal and disposal. This is required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.