Restaurants and food preparation establishments play a crucial role in minimizing fats, oils, and grease
(FOG) in Kansas City’s sewer collection system. All food service facilities, including daycares,
assisted living centers, schools, hotels, hospitals, and any establishment with a commercial kitchen or
that sells food, must adhere to the city’s sewer use ordinance Chapter 40 & Chapter 60.

Food Service Establishments are required to install appropriately sized grease interceptors before
connecting to the collection system. They are also responsible for maintaining and ensuring the
functionality of their grease abatement equipment. The discharge of grease and other viscous substances
that can obstruct sewer flow is prohibited under Kansas City’s Sewer Use Regulations.

Kansas City Inspections for Sewer Use Code Compliance

Kansas City conducts routine inspections of food service facilities to ensure compliance with sewer use
codes every two years. These inspections will focus on grease management practices, including
dishwashing procedures and maintenance of grease interceptors. Facilities may be asked to provide
cleaning and maintenance records during these inspections.

The initial inspections aim to gather data on current practices and educate establishments about the code
requirements related to grease management.

Food Service Facility Responsibilities in Kansas City, Missouri

In Kansas City, Missouri, food service facilities are responsible for the proper installation,
maintenance, and cleaning of grease interceptors to prevent the discharge of fats, oils, and grease
(FOG) into the public sewer and stormwater systems. These responsibilities are outlined under Kansas
City Code Chapter 60 (Sewers and Sewage Disposal) and Chapter 40 (Business
Regulations).

Grease Interceptor Installation and Coverage

Food service facilities are required to install grease interceptors to capture grease and other
pollutants before they enter the sewer system. According to KCMO Ordinance Sec. 60-132 (Additional
pretreatment measures), grease interceptors must be installed to cover all drains in
dishwashing and food preparation areas. This ensures that all wastewater passing through these areas is
properly treated before discharge.

Grease Interceptor Cleaning Schedule

To maintain functionality, interceptors must be cleaned regularly following the manufacturer’s
specifications. If the manufacturer does not provide specific instructions, Kansas City follows the 25%
rule, similar to other cities. This rule states that when 25% of a vertical core sample from the
interceptor is filled with solids and grease layers, the interceptor must be cleaned. Adhering to these
guidelines helps prevent sewer blockages, as required under Sec. 60-132.

Record Keeping and Documentation

Food service establishments are required to keep detailed records of all cleaning and maintenance
activities for a minimum of three years (Sec. 60-117 – Record Keeping). These records should
include the date of cleaning, who performed the cleaning, the quantity of waste removed, and the
condition of the grease interceptor. All records must be available for inspection by city authorities.
Self-cleaning establishments must also include the disposal location of the waste and note any repairs
or defects found during the cleaning process.

Wastes Prohibited in the Sewer

Any solid or viscous materials in amounts or concentrations which cause obstruction of the flow in the
POTW, or solids greater than one-half inch in any dimension, are prohibited. Examples include ashes,
wax, cinders, sand, mud, straw, tars, and more.

Outdoor Grease Storage and Spill Prevention

Outdoor grease storage must be properly maintained to prevent spills that can contaminate storm drains or
the surrounding environment. Any outdoor spills must be cleaned immediately using dry absorbent
materials, and the waste must be disposed of properly. Power washing grease spills into storm drains is
prohibited.

Preventing Stormwater Contamination

Grease and other contaminants must be prevented from entering the storm drainage system as stated in
Sec. 60-353. This is crucial for protecting local waterways from pollution.

By following these guidelines, food service facilities in Kansas City help protect the sewer
infrastructure and prevent environmental contamination. For more detailed information, refer to
Kansas City Code of Ordinances or contact KC Water’s Regulatory Compliance Division.