Birmingham, AL grease trap requirements
Program run by Jefferson County Environmental Services, Grease Control Program. Hand-checked against source Last verified 2026-10-18 by Stew Israil, GreaseTrapRules. Report an error / rule changed
Quick answer
- How often to pump: The official sources we checked don't set a fixed schedule for Birmingham. Most programs require pumping before grease and solids reach 25% of the trap's depth (check yours). Confirm with Jefferson County Environmental Services, Grease Control Program at (205) 325-5801.
- Interceptor minimum / sizing: No minimum size stated in the sources we checked. Your local program or plumbing code sets it; estimate with the sizing calculator.
- Permit / fees: Permit required
Rules change; verify with your city. Summaries are plain-English restatements of the official source linked below; “Source says” shows the exact wording. Blank rows mean the sources we checked did not state that rule, not that there is no rule.
Birmingham grease trap rules at a glance
Grease trap and FOG (fats, oils and grease) rules for restaurants in Birmingham are set by Jefferson County Environmental Services, Grease Control Program. The official sources we checked do not set a fixed pumping interval for Birmingham, so plan on pumping before grease and solids reach 25% of the trap (the most common rule) and follow any schedule on your permit. A FOG or wastewater permit is required. Pumping must be done by an approved or licensed hauler.
Of the 2 Alabama programs we track, 0 state a pumping schedule and 1 requires a permit. We have not verified a pumping company for Birmingham yet; see Alabama pumping companies. Compare all Alabama cities.
Birmingham grease trap & interceptor rules, line by line
| Required trap / interceptor type | New construction needs a sample vault downstream of the last grease trap. Existing FSEs can be required to modify or add devices: an Action Plan is due within 30 days of the first inspection, with upgrades in place within 90 days of approval. ✓ checked against source |
|---|---|
| Sizing rule | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Pumping / cleaning frequency | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Permit required? | Every food service establishment that discharges to the Jefferson County sanitary sewer system must obtain a Grease Control Program (GCP) Permit or an exemption. Permits are not transferable; a new owner or operator must apply again. ✓ checked against source |
| Permit & program fees | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Inspections | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Record keeping | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Pumper / hauler approval | Anyone who pumps, transports, stores, treats or disposes of grease septage, including an FSE cleaning its own device, needs a Jefferson County Health Department permit. ✓ checked against source |
| Reporting portal | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Fines & penalties | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Program contact | (205) 325-5801 ✓ checked against source |
Sources
- https://www.jccal.org/DocumentCenter/View/1017/Grease-Control-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions-and-Answers-PDF · checked 2026-10-18
Grease trap cleaning & pumping companies in Birmingham, AL
No verified pumping company for Birmingham yet. Free listings are sorted A–Z. A listing is not an endorsement.
Before you book: Birmingham has hauler rules (see the table above). Ask the company to confirm it is approved for Birmingham, and keep a signed manifest for every pump-out.
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Try the Alabama pumper list for companies serving nearby cities.
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Size your interceptor
Use the grease interceptor sizing calculator (UPC, IPC and PDI methods), then confirm Birmingham's own minimums above. Not sure how often to pump? Read how often to pump a grease trap.
Birmingham grease trap FAQ
Do restaurants in Birmingham need a grease trap permit?
Permit required, per the official source checked 2026-10-18.
Who enforces grease trap rules in Birmingham, AL?
Jefferson County Environmental Services, Grease Control Program (program contact: (205) 325-5801). Contact them for permits, inspections and approved haulers.
Nearby Alabama cities
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