Grease interceptor & in-sink food-waste disposer: Philadelphia restaurant guide
Philadelphia L&I (Plumbing Code) / Philadelphia Water Department
What it is
Grease-producing fixtures must drain through a grease interceptor (PWD guidelines: minimum 20 gpm / 40 lb automatic grease trap); restaurants must also have in-sink garbage disposers for grindable food waste.
When a restaurant needs it
Any kitchen that washes dishes, pots or prepares food (take-out shops using only paper goods may be exempt with an owner's letter).
How to apply
Installed under the plumbing permit by a licensed master plumber; shown on the PDPH plan review.
Documents you’ll need
- Interceptor make/model and sizing
- Plumbing riser showing connected fixtures
Good to know
Size, clean and maintain the interceptor — PWD says that's the owner's responsibility, and violating PWD regulations can bring fines up to $25,000 per day. Grindable food waste may not go in dumpsters.
Official source
PWD — Industrial wastes pretreatment guidelines (grease trap sizing) · City guide — commercial food waste & disposers
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.