If you run a restaurant, café or commercial kitchen in WA, you are legally responsible for managing fats, oils and grease (FOG) waste.

Neglecting your grease trap can result in heavy fines, business disruptions, or even environmental damage. This guide walks you through what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid costly issues.

WHAT IS A GREASE TRAP?

A grease trap (also called a grease arrestor) is a device installed in your plumbing that captures FOG before it enters the wastewater system. It prevents blockages, odours, and damage to sewer infrastructure. 

WHO NEEDS A GREASE TRAP IN WA?

You are required to install and maintain a grease trap if you operate any of the following:

Restaurants

Cafés

Commercial kitchens

Takeaway shops

Bakeries

Butcher shops

Hotels with kitchens

Food courts or caterers

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Water Corporation Trade Waste Permit

You must apply for a Trade Waste Permit from Water Corporation WA. The permit outlines how you must manage your trade waste, including grease traps. Non-compliance can lead to warnings, fines, or permit cancellation.

Installation Guidelines

Grease traps must be installed by a licensed plumber.

Sizing and specifications must meet AS/NZS 3500 plumbing standards and Water Corporation requirements.

The trap must be easily accessible for cleaning and inspection. 

Cleaning Frequency

The general requirement is every 1–3 months, depending on usage and size.

Water Corporation recommends cleaning once 25% of the trap’s volume is filled with FOG or solids. https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Help-and-advice/Trade-waste/Food-handling-and-preparation

Keep records of cleaning and maintenance for inspection and compliance.

Maintain a logbook with:

Date of each clean

Volume removed

Contractor details (e.g., Waroona Septics)

Signature of responsible person

WHY REGULAR CLEANING MATTERS

✔️ Prevents Blockages – Avoid backups and costly emergency plumbing.

✔️ Reduces Odours – Built-up FOG causes foul smells.

✔️ Protects the Environment – Prevents wastewater contamination.

✔️ Keeps You Compliant – Stay on the right side of the law.

WHO CAN CLEAN YOUR GREASE TRAP? 

Only licensed liquid waste contractors, like Waroona Septics, can legally clean and dispose of grease trap waste in WA.

Waroona Septics provides:

Scheduled grease trap cleaning

Regulatory compliance documentation

Emergency call-outs

Environmentally safe disposal

Waroona Septics has over 20 years’ experience servicing local restaurants and kitchens across Perth.

📞 Call us today or book online: waroonaseptics.com.au

📍 Proudly servicing Perth, Waroona, Mandurah, and surrounds.