Fats, Oils and Grease Control

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Fats, oils and grease can clog wastewater collection and treatment systems, causing sewage spills, manhole overflows and/or sewage backups in homes and businesses. Certain types of properties create higher risk of generating fats, oils and grease. These include restaurants, properties with commercial kitchens, auto repair shops and gas stations, and some multifamily properties with large garages.

Managing fats, oils and grease

Under the King County municipal code, these facilities are required to install and maintain grease prevention devices. These devices protect private sewer lines and the public system by trapping fats, oils and grease before they enter the sewer and cause blockages and backups. They are critical to maintaining a safe and reliable wastewater system and protecting public health from sewer overflows.

Bellevue Utilities offers instructions for installing and maintaining grease traps and interceptors, as well as information about local haulers and recyclers who deal with oils and grease.

Wastewater Backup Prevention Program with SwiftComply

The City of Bellevue has partnered with a third party agency, SwiftComply, to implement a fats, oils and grease compliance program, called "Wastewater Backup Prevention Program," to help reduce the amount of grease sent into the sewer system.

SwiftComply will issue notices on the city's behalf to properties known as high-volume fats, oil and grease generators, including food service and grocery establishments, auto dealerships, schools and some multifamily complexes.

These properties will be asked to enroll in the Wastewater Backup Prevention Program through SwiftComply and take required compliance actions.

Questions about this program?

See the following documents for more information about the program and an example mailing