Houston · TX
Houston grease trap requirements: the 90-day rule
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: in Houston, every grease interceptor inside city limits must be fully evacuated at least every 90 days unless the city approves a Notice of Waiver (City Code §47-512(b)). Citation fines for Chapter 47 Article XI offenses run $250–$2,000 per violation (Houston Health Department). Keep manifests on site for 5 years.
1. The 90-day full pump-out
Houston does not allow a skim. The interceptor must be fully evacuated at least quarterly. A Notice of Waiver is the only published path to a longer interval, and it has to be submitted and approved.
2. Permitted businesses and haulers
Commercial kitchens and other grease generators need a permit. Pump-outs must be done by a permitted transporter who leaves a city-approved manifest (HHD Special Waste Generators).
3. Records: 5 years on site
Keep the white and yellow manifest copies on site for 5 years, and return the generator copy within 15 days of pump-out (HHD manifest).
4. Inspections and contact
Restaurants, cafeterias and commercial kitchens are inspected at least annually by the Houston Health Department. Program contact published on the city page: [email protected] · 832-393-5740.
5. Scale of Houston FOG (official FY2024)
City of Houston Consent Decree reporting (FY2024): 18,992 permitted FOG generators, 29,902 interceptor inspections, 5,192 FOG enforcement actions. Grease caused 550 of 1,377 sanitary sewer overflows (~40%). Full table: see our Houston rules page research notes.
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FAQ
How often must Houston restaurants pump a grease trap?
At least every 90 days with a full evacuation, unless a Notice of Waiver is approved (City Code §47-512(b)).
What are Houston grease trap fines?
Citation fines for Chapter 47 Article XI offenses range from $250 to $2,000 per violation (Houston Health Department, Special Waste Generators).
How long do Houston kitchens keep grease trap records?
Keep white and yellow manifest copies on site for 5 years; return the generator copy within 15 days of pump-out (HHD manifest instructions).
Who can pump a grease trap in Houston?
A permitted transporter who leaves a city-approved manifest (Houston Health Department Special Waste Generators).
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