States / North Carolina / Charlotte
Charlotte, NC grease trap requirements
Program run by Charlotte Water (CLTWater) Grease Trap Policy / FLOW Free 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: Outside traps quarterly; under-sink traps monthly
- 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: Not stated in the sources we checked. Ask Charlotte Water (CLTWater) Grease Trap Policy / FLOW Free program whether a FOG or wastewater permit applies.
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.
Charlotte grease trap rules at a glance
Grease trap and FOG (fats, oils and grease) rules for restaurants in Charlotte are set by Charlotte Water (CLTWater) Grease Trap Policy / FLOW Free program. Pumping: outside traps quarterly; under-sink traps monthly. Pumping must be done by an approved or licensed hauler. Keep pumping records or manifests on site for inspectors.
Of the 4 North Carolina programs we track, 3 state a pumping schedule and 1 requires a permit. We have not verified a pumping company for Charlotte yet; see North Carolina pumping companies. Compare all North Carolina cities.
Charlotte grease trap & interceptor rules, line by line
| Required trap / interceptor type | Not stated in the sources we checked |
|---|---|
| Sizing rule | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Pumping / cleaning frequency | All grease traps must be pumped out completely. Outside traps should be pumped quarterly and small under-the-sink grease traps should be pumped monthly, or at the discretion of the Control Authority. ✓ checked against source |
| Permit required? | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Permit & program fees | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Inspections | Grease-handling facilities are subject to CLTWater inspection during normal working hours; two consecutive unsatisfactory inspections may bring penalties under the Sewer Use Ordinance. ✓ checked against source |
| Record keeping | Keep an on-site file (as-builts, inspection records, pumping log and receipts, maintenance log, hauler and disposal information) for three years; as-built drawings for the life of the trap. ✓ checked against source |
| Pumper / hauler approval | Grease traps must be cleaned by a CLTWater approved grease handling and hauling company. ✓ checked against source |
| Reporting portal | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Fines & penalties | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Program contact | Not stated in the sources we checked |
Sources
- https://www.charlottenc.gov/files/sharedassets/cltwater/v/1/documents/developmentprojects/customer-assistance/flow-free/grease-trap-policy.pdf · checked 2026-10-18
Grease trap cleaning & pumping companies in Charlotte, NC
No verified pumping company for Charlotte yet. Free listings are sorted A–Z. A listing is not an endorsement.
Before you book: Charlotte has hauler rules (see the table above). Ask the company to confirm it is approved for Charlotte, and keep a signed manifest for every pump-out.
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Try the North Carolina 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 Charlotte's own minimums above. Not sure how often to pump? Read how often to pump a grease trap.
Charlotte grease trap FAQ
How often do grease traps have to be pumped in Charlotte, NC?
Pump outside traps quarterly; under-sink traps monthly. Source: Charlotte Water (CLTWater) Grease Trap Policy / FLOW Free program, checked 2026-10-18. Rules change; confirm with the local sewer authority.
Who enforces grease trap rules in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte Water (CLTWater) Grease Trap Policy / FLOW Free program. Contact them for permits, inspections and approved haulers.
Nearby North Carolina cities
Grease trap guides
Grease rule changes, once a week
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