Food service industry

How does the by-law address my business?

The City of Greater Sudbury's Sewer Use By-law requires owners/operators of establishments which prepare, manufacture, process or serve food to follow practices which prevent fat, oil and grease from entering the municipal sanitary sewer system. Under the by-law, establishments which do not currently follow best management practices are required to comply with the following, no later than September 15, 2011:

• Install grease interceptors that comply with the current version of the Ontario Building Code.
  Regularly clean and maintain grease interceptors to reduce foul odours and the potential for clogged sewer lines. You can contract a waste disposal company that specializes in interceptor cleaning or you can clean the unit yourself, following the manufacturer's directions.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of equipment inspections and maintenance for review by municipal officials upon request. See our Grease Interceptor Service Record
• Installation of garbage grinders/disposal units is not permitted. 
• Industrial, commercial or institutional customers who have already installed garbage grinders/disposal units in accordance with the Ontario Building Code must ensure that effluent complies with Sections 6, 7 and 8 of the City of Greater Sudbury's Sewer Use By-law.

Why is waste from food establishments a concern?

Fat, oil and grease clogs sewer lines, creating overflows and backups, and interferes with wastewater treatment equipment, resulting in additional operating expenses. Installation of a grease interceptor and the following steps can help reduce costly maintenance and boost environmental protection.

• Never pour liquid food (e.g. milkshakes, grease) down the drain.
  Always scrape dishes before washing.
• Dispose of liquid food (e.g. dairy products, milkshake syrup, condiments, batters, gravy) in the trash.
  Pour used deep fryer or cooking grease into a grease recycling container for collection by a certified rendering company.
• Use basket strainers in your drains to collect residue for proper disposal.

Conditions which may result in By-law compliance audits and enforcement:

• Failure to install certified grease interceptors.
• Failure to recycle or dispose of fat, oil and grease in the prescribed manner.
• Failure to routinely inspect and maintain interceptors.
• Use of chemical solvents, caustics or emulsifiers to clean out the oil/grease interceptor, resulting in damage to sewer lines.
• Forcing oil/grease particles through the interceptor and into the sewer line with hot water, resulting in blockages.
• Installation of garbage grinders/disposal units after September 15, 2011 or failure to comply the Sections 6, 7 and 8 of the Sewer Use By-law for existing units.