Houston · TX
Houston FOG program: what kitchens must do
By Stew Israil, GreaseTrapRules · Sources checked Oct. 26, 2026 · Every rule below links to its official source. Rules change; verify with the city.
Short answer: Houston’s FOG (fats, oils and grease) program sits with the Houston Health Department. Food-service kitchens are inspected at least annually, must use permitted haulers, keep 5-year manifests, and fully evacuate interceptors every 90 days unless a waiver is approved.
What the FOG program checks
- Pump-outs on the 90-day (or waiver) schedule with full evacuation.
- Permitted transporter + city-approved manifest on site.
- 5-year record retention for white/yellow copies.
- Commercial kitchen / grease-generator permit status.
Source: HHD Special Waste Generators and City Code §47-512(b).
Official FY2024 scale
18,992 permitted FOG generators · 29,902 interceptor inspections · 5,192 FOG enforcement actions · 550 grease-caused SSOs (of 1,377 total). These are City of Houston Consent Decree figures for FY2024, summarized on our research notes for the Houston pilot.
Kitchen checklist
- Confirm your last full pump-out date.
- Set free reminders for the next due date.
- Print or keep a maintenance log with manifests.
- Walk the FOG inspection checklist before the annual visit.
- If you need a hauler now, start PumpDue or request quotes.
Never miss a Houston pump-out. Get free email reminders on the 90-day schedule, or start a PumpDue alert so Featured Houston pumpers can bid.
FAQ
What is Houston’s FOG program?
The Houston Health Department program that permits grease generators, requires permitted haulers and manifests, inspects commercial kitchens at least annually, and enforces the 90-day full evacuation rule under City Code §47-512(b).
How often does Houston inspect restaurants for grease?
Restaurants, cafeterias and commercial kitchens are inspected at least annually by the Houston Health Department (sourced on /tx/houston/).
Who do I contact about Houston FOG complaints?
[email protected] or 832-393-5740 (published program contact on the Houston rules page).
Houston next steps
Sources
- Houston Health Department — Special Waste Generators (FOG)
- City of Houston Code of Ordinances §47-512(b) (full evacuation at least every 90 days)
- Houston grease interceptor cleaning manifest (HHD)
- City page summary with hand-checked quotes: /tx/houston/
Not legal advice. GreaseTrapRules summarizes official sources for kitchens and pumpers.
Pumping every 90 days? Houston allows a minimum 180-day schedule with an approved Notice of Waiver. Who qualifies and how to apply