Iowa · FOG rules
Des Moines, IA grease trap requirements
Official sources we checked do not set a fixed pumping interval. Quoted from the official source below — verify with your city.
Quick answer
- How often to pump: The official sources we checked don't set a fixed schedule for Des Moines. Most programs require pumping before grease and solids reach 25% of the trap's depth (check yours). Confirm with City of Des Moines (Ordinance No. 14,946) and Des Moines Metropolitan WRA FOG Program at 515-323-8123.
- Interceptor minimum / sizing: Minimum 1,000 gal
- Permit / fees: Not stated in the sources we checked. Ask City of Des Moines (Ordinance No. 14,946) and Des Moines Metropolitan WRA FOG Program at 515-323-8123 whether a FOG or wastewater permit applies.
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How often does Des Moines require grease trap pumping?
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Des Moines: the official sources we checked don't set a fixed pumping interval. Source: City of Des Moines (Ordinance No. 14,946) and Des Moines Metropolitan WRA FOG Program, checked 2026-11-02.
The official sources we checked don't list a fine amount for Des Moines. That doesn't mean there's no penalty.
We'll use every 90 days. That's our recommended schedule, not a legal requirement. Many programs also require pumping before grease and solids reach 25% of the trap's depth.
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.
Des Moines grease trap rules at a glance
Grease trap and FOG (fats, oils and grease) rules for restaurants in Des Moines are set by City of Des Moines (Ordinance No. 14,946) and Des Moines Metropolitan WRA FOG Program. The official sources we checked do not set a fixed pumping interval for Des Moines, so plan on pumping before grease and solids reach 25% of the trap (the most common rule) and follow any schedule on your permit. Sizing: minimum 1,000 gal. Pumping must be done by an approved or licensed hauler.
Of the 1 Iowa program we track, 0 state a pumping schedule and 0 require a permit. We have not verified a pumping company for Des Moines yet; see Iowa pumping companies. Compare all Iowa cities.
Des Moines grease trap & interceptor rules, line by line
| Required trap / interceptor type | Food service establishments must install an approved grease interceptor. This applies to new FSEs and existing FSEs pulling building permits of $50,000 or more, and the Director can order one if FOG discharge exceeds 400 mg/L. For shared interceptors, the building owner is responsible for cleaning and records. ✓ checked against source |
|---|---|
| Sizing rule | Grease interceptors must be at least 1,000 gallons; a single unit can be no larger than 5,000 gallons, and units over 3,000 gallons may need to be installed in series. ✓ checked against source |
| Pumping / cleaning frequency | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Permit required? | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| 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 | Food service establishments use WRA-certified grease haulers to clean their traps and interceptors on a routine basis (WRA keeps a certified hauler list). ✓ checked against source |
| Reporting portal | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Fines & penalties | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Program contact | 515-323-8123 515-323-8021 ✓ checked against source |
Sources
- https://councildocs.dsm.city/ordinances/14946.pdf · checked 2026-11-02
- https://www.dmmwra.org/174/Fat-Oil-Grease-FOG-Program · checked 2026-11-02
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Grease trap cleaning & pumping companies in Des Moines, IA
No verified pumping company for Des Moines yet. Free listings are sorted A–Z. A listing is not an endorsement.
Pump traps in Des Moines? Free paperwork for every job. Make a service record or manifest PDF with the record fields Des Moines's rules ask for, signed on your phone and ready to send the restaurant.
Before you book: Des Moines has hauler rules (see the table above). Ask the company to confirm it is approved for Des Moines, and keep a signed manifest for every pump-out.
Be the recommended pumper here. Top-pick pumpers get first look at quote requests from Des Moines kitchens. Listing is free; you pay a flat $59 only when a request we send becomes a booked job — under a short written agreement first, and nothing for leads that don’t book. 3 of 3 spots left
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Size your interceptor
Use the grease interceptor sizing calculator (UPC, IPC and PDI methods), then confirm Des Moines's own minimums above. Not sure how often to pump? Read how often to pump a grease trap.
Des Moines grease trap FAQ
What size grease interceptor is required in Des Moines?
Minimum 1,000 gal, per the official source. Your plumbing official can require more.
Who enforces grease trap rules in Des Moines, IA?
City of Des Moines (Ordinance No. 14,946) and Des Moines Metropolitan WRA FOG Program (program contact: 515-323-8123 · 515-323-8021). Contact them for permits, inspections and approved haulers.
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