States / South Carolina / Charleston

Charleston, SC grease trap requirements

Program run by Charleston Water System (CWS) Wastewater Collection. Hand-checked against source Last verified 2026-10-18 by Stew Israil, GreaseTrapRules. Report an error / rule changed

Quick answer

From the official source(s) below, last checked 2026-10-18. 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.

Charleston grease trap rules at a glance

Grease trap and FOG (fats, oils and grease) rules for restaurants in Charleston are set by Charleston Water System (CWS) Wastewater Collection. Pumping: at least four times a year (or as the CWS inspector sets). A FOG or wastewater permit is required. Keep pumping records or manifests on site for inspectors.

Of the 2 South Carolina programs we track, 2 state a pumping schedule and 1 requires a permit. We have not verified a pumping company for Charleston yet; see South Carolina pumping companies. Compare all South Carolina cities.

Charleston grease trap & interceptor rules, line by line

Required trap / interceptor typeNot stated in the sources we checked
Sizing ruleNot stated in the sources we checked
Pumping / cleaning frequency
Grease traps/interceptors must be thoroughly pumped out and/or cleaned at least four times a year, or at a frequency determined by the CWS Inspector.
✓ checked against source
Permit required?
Submit the CWS Grease Trap/Interceptor Application Form with plans, and get a CWS approval letter before installing the grease trap.
✓ checked against source
Permit & program fees
CWS grease trap fees: Application Fee $30; Inspection Fee $70; Re-inspection Fee $70.
✓ checked against source
Inspections
CWS inspects traps after installation and conducts periodic inspections of grease traps; unsatisfactory traps must be re-inspected.
✓ checked against source
Record keeping
Keep a Maintenance Log record.
✓ checked against source
Pumper / hauler approvalNot stated in the sources we checked
Reporting portalNot stated in the sources we checked
Fines & penaltiesNot stated in the sources we checked
Program contact
(843) 308-8299
✓ checked against source

Sources

Grease trap cleaning & pumping companies in Charleston, SC

No verified pumping company for Charleston 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.

Try the South Carolina pumper list for companies serving nearby cities.

All South Carolina pumpersNational directoryRun a pumping company? List it free

Size your interceptor

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

Charleston grease trap FAQ

How often do grease traps have to be pumped in Charleston, SC?

Pump at least four times a year (or as the CWS inspector sets). Source: Charleston Water System (CWS) Wastewater Collection, checked 2026-10-18. Rules change; confirm with the local sewer authority.

Do restaurants in Charleston need a grease trap permit?

Permit required; fees listed: $30, $70, per the official source checked 2026-10-18.

Who enforces grease trap rules in Charleston, SC?

Charleston Water System (CWS) Wastewater Collection (program contact: (843) 308-8299). Contact them for permits, inspections and approved haulers.

Nearby South Carolina cities

Columbia

Grease trap guides

How often to pumpThe 25% rule and city schedulesFOG inspection checklistWhat inspectors checkPrintable maintenance logPlus record-keeping rulesAll guidesSizing, trap vs interceptor, cost factors

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