How often do grease traps have to be pumped in New York, NY?

Pump before grease + solids reach 25% of depth/capacity. Source: NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), checked 2026-10-17. Rules change; confirm with the local sewer authority.

States / New York / New York

New York, NY grease trap & interceptor requirements

Program run by NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Hand-checked against source Last checked 2026-10-17. Report an error / rule changed

Quick answer

How often to pump: Before grease + solids reach 25% of depth/capacity
Interceptor minimum / sizing: not stated in the sources we checked
Permit / fees: not stated in the sources we checked

From the official source(s) below, last checked 2026-10-17. Rules change; verify with your city.

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.

Required trap / interceptor type	Grease interceptor or automatic grease removal device required for non-residential FOG dischargers, installed by a NYC Licensed Master Plumber. Food waste disposers are not allowed in commercial establishments. ✓ checked against source
Sizing rule	Not stated in the sources we checked
Pumping / cleaning frequency	Minimum cleaning frequency: accumulated fat, oil, grease and solids must not exceed 25% of the device's designed total liquid depth (15 RCNY §19-11(q)). ✓ checked against source
Permit required?	Not stated in the sources we checked
Permit & program fees	Not stated in the sources we checked
Inspections	DEP routinely sends inspectors to check that interceptors are correctly sized, installed, maintained and operating. ✓ checked against source
Record keeping	Not stated in the sources we checked
Pumper / hauler approval	Not stated in the sources we checked
Reporting portal	Not stated in the sources we checked
Fines & penalties	Maximum penalty: $10,000 per day, per violation. ✓ checked against source
Program contact	Not stated in the sources we checked

Sources

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-163283 · checked 2026-10-17
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-163281 · checked 2026-10-17

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Size your interceptor

Use the grease interceptor sizing calculator (UPC, IPC and PDI methods), then confirm New York's own minimums above. Not sure how often to pump? Read how often to pump a grease trap.