We are committed to providing Cobb County residents with a safe and environmentally sound wastewater collection and treatment system. Such a system is vital in supporting a quality lifestyle, a strong local economy and protecting our environment. Unfortunately, grease, a common material, can build up in our collection system and severely impact maintenance and operational costs.
Everyday, in household and commercial kitchens, large amounts of fats, oils and grease are produced. These by-products of cooking are not good for the sewer system. When they enter the sewer system, they begin to adhere to the sides of the sewer lines, and over time, begin to build up, eventually causing a blockage of the line below ground. These results in sewer overflows and backups above ground into our homes, businesses and water-ways.
Tips on Grease Management
Grease comes from many different sources within our household kitchens. Some of these sources include:
- Meat fats
- Lard
- Food scraps
- Dressings and Sauces
- Baking goods
- Butter and Margarine
- Shortening
- Dairy Products
Here are some easy steps to make sure that fats, oil, and grease do not make it into the sewer system:
1. NEVER pour grease down sink drains, garbage disposals, or into toilets. Instead, use an old glass jar or can as a grease receptacle. Pour ALL grease and oil into this container for disposal or recycling where available.
2. Use a paper towel to clean up the excess grease residue left on the inside of cooking pots, pans, and utensils. Dispose of this ‘greasy’ towel into the trash.
3. Scrape all food scraps from trays, plates, pots, pans, utensils, grills, and any cooking surfaces into the trash for disposal.
4. Talk with your family, friends, and neighbors about these easy steps that they can take to help prevent fats, oils, and greases from reaching our sewer system.
Food Preparation Establishments
In Cobb County, our Fats, Oils, and Grease Program monitors food establishments' compliance with Cobb County Water and Wastewater Ordinance regulations found in the Official Code of Cobb County Georgia Section 122-188.1. These regulations require all food preparation establishments, or any company that exceeds the wastewater limit for grease and oil, to have a grease recovery system. In addition, these ordinances require quarterly pumping of all exterior grease traps.
The Engineering Division of the Cobb County Water System approves grease devices for all new or renovated restaurants or change of owners/operators. Plans must be submitted for approval. There is a fee for each new seat. To find out if your business will need a grease device as well as what size will be required, contact CCWS Engineering at (770) 419-6317 or 6327.
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Once a grease device is installed, an inspection is required and before backfilling an exterior trap. To set up an inspection, please contact Environmental Compliance at (770) 419-6430.Environmental Compliance registers all food establishments that have or are required to install a grease device. The application to register a grease device can be found in PDF form below. Permitted food establishments are monitored through a system of manifest reporting, as well as routine inspection visits by Environmental Compliance Personnel.
Grease Trap Registration Form