States / North Carolina / Durham

Durham, NC grease trap requirements

Program run by City of Durham Water Management, Pretreatment Program (Sewer Use Ordinance). Hand-checked against source Last verified 2026-10-19 by Stew Israil, GreaseTrapRules. Report an error / rule changed

Quick answer

How often to pump: Monthly (under-sink traps weekly)
Interceptor minimum / sizing: Minimum 500 gal
Permit / fees: Not stated in the sources we checked. Ask City of Durham Water Management, Pretreatment Program (Sewer Use Ordinance) whether a FOG or wastewater permit applies.

From the official source(s) below, last checked 2026-10-19. Rules change; verify with your city.

Am I compliant in Durham?

Six quick questions, checked against Durham's sourced rules. Nothing is saved.

Free printable cleaning log & inspection checklist for Durham

Get grease trap pumping quotes in Durham, NC

Tell us what you need and we'll send your request to the Featured grease trap service companies in Durham, NC, with a copy to us. If there are none yet, it comes only to us and we may reply to help you find someone. Free, no obligation. For restaurants and for property, building and facility managers.

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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.

Durham grease trap rules at a glance

Grease trap and FOG (fats, oils and grease) rules for restaurants in Durham are set by City of Durham Water Management, Pretreatment Program (Sewer Use Ordinance). Pumping: monthly (under-sink traps weekly). Sizing: minimum 500 gal. Keep pumping records or manifests on site for inspectors.

Of the 5 North Carolina programs we track, 4 state a pumping schedule and 1 requires a permit. We have not verified a pumping company for Durham yet; see North Carolina pumping companies. Compare all North Carolina cities.

Durham grease trap & interceptor rules, line by line

Required trap / interceptor type	Grease interceptors are exterior vaults, minimum 500 gallons with two compartments. No discharge over 140°F, no garbage disposals and no emulsifiers into the grease system. ✓ checked against source
Sizing rule	Not stated in the sources we checked
Pumping / cleaning frequency	Grease removal systems must be cleaned on a monthly schedule, more often if discharge exceeds 250 mg/L; less often only if the City is shown the limit is met. Under-sink traps are cleaned weekly (more often if over 50% full). ✓ checked against source
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	Keep a grease maintenance log as required by the pretreatment program. ✓ checked against source
Pumper / hauler approval	Not stated in the sources we checked
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.durhamnc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3528/Commercial-Guide-Restaurants-PDF?bidId= · checked 2026-10-19

Featured spots in Durham: 3 of 3 available. Limited to 3 companies per city. For pumping companies

Grease trap cleaning & pumping companies in Durham, NC

No verified pumping company for Durham yet. Free listings are sorted A–Z. A listing is not an endorsement.

Before you book: ask for a full pump-out (not a skim) and a signed manifest for every service, and keep it on site for inspectors.

Featured spot open. Be the first pumper restaurants see in Durham. 3 of 3 spots left
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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 Durham's own minimums above. Not sure how often to pump? Read how often to pump a grease trap.

Durham grease trap FAQ

How often do grease traps have to be pumped in Durham, NC?

Pump monthly (under-sink traps weekly). Source: City of Durham Water Management, Pretreatment Program (Sewer Use Ordinance), checked 2026-10-19. Rules change; confirm with the local sewer authority.

What size grease interceptor is required in Durham?

Minimum 500 gal, per the official source. Your plumbing official can require more.

Who enforces grease trap rules in Durham, NC?

City of Durham Water Management, Pretreatment Program (Sewer Use Ordinance). Contact them for permits, inspections and approved haulers.

Nearby North Carolina cities

Charlotte Greensboro Raleigh Winston-Salem

Grease trap guides

For property and building managersTenant vs landlord, shared interceptors, records How often to pumpThe 25% rule and city schedules FOG inspection checklistWhat inspectors check Printable maintenance logPlus record-keeping rules All guidesSizing, trap vs interceptor, cost factors

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