DC Water's FOG program requires every DC food service establishment to maintain a grease interceptor, register in the FOG BMP portal, use a DOEE-licensed hauler, and keep three years of manifests. Here's what that means for your restaurant, in plain English.
What is DC Water's FOG program?
It's the District's version of a program every major city now runs. The rules live in Title 21 of the DC Municipal Regulations (the "Water and Sanitation" chapters), and they're enforced through inspections and the plumbing code.
What DC restaurants have to do
In plain terms: install and maintain a properly sized grease interceptor, sign up in DC Water's FOG BMP portal, follow best management practices (no pouring oil down the drain, scrape plates, train staff), have the interceptor cleaned by a licensed hauler on a schedule that keeps it below 25% capacity, and keep the manifests on site for three years.
Who can legally clean your grease trap in DC
Grease trap waste is regulated, so it must be hauled by a company licensed by the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), and the hauler should leave you a manifest documenting what was removed and where it went. A bargain "trap cleaner" who leaves no paperwork is a liability when an inspector asks for records. GreaseGiant is licensed and leaves a signed manifest every visit.
How this connects to your used cooking oil
FOG from the grease trap and used cooking oil from the fryer are two different waste streams with two different rules — but you can put both on one vendor. GreaseGiant collects and pays you for the fryer oil while keeping your grease trap compliant, on one invoice. See our Washington, DC service page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register my restaurant with DC Water?
Yes. Food service establishments operating in the District must register through DC Water's online FOG BMP portal and maintain a grease interceptor under the DC Plumbing Code.
Who is allowed to clean a grease trap in DC?
DC Water encourages using an approved waste hauler, and haulers must be licensed by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Using a licensed hauler that leaves a proper manifest is the safe path.
How long do I keep grease trap records in DC?
At least three years, kept on site and available during inspection, under Title 21 of the DC Municipal Regulations.