Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)

An Environmental Compliance Inspector visits a restaurant to see how they dispose of fats, oils, and grease (FOG).

What to know

  • LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) regulates Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) to keep underground sewer pipes flowing smoothly across the City of Los Angeles.
  • Cooling grease hardens inside pipes, causing sewage spills that damage private property, street infrastructure, and local waterways.
  • We work closely with local Food Service Establishments (FSEs) to enforce Best Management Practices (BMPs) and proper grease interceptor installation.
  • Residential education helps Angelenos adopt smart kitchen habits that prevent costly private sewer lateral repairs.
  • Managed by our Industrial Waste Management Division (IWMD), the program enforces municipal codes while offering conditional waivers and variances for local businesses.

Protecting Our Sewers

By keeping grease out of our sewer network, we ensure cleaner neighborhoods and reliable wastewater services for all residents in the City of Los Angeles. When poured down household or commercial drains, liquid fats, oils, and grease (FOG) cool, solidify, and adhere to the inner walls of sewer pipes. Over time, this buildup restricts wastewater flow, eventually leading to sewer overflows in homes, businesses, and public streets.

Program Management

Our Industrial Waste Management Division (IWMD) leads the City’s effort to monitor and reduce FOG discharges. The program regulates commercial food facilities, reviews engineering and plumbing plans, conducts regular compliance inspections, and provides public guidance on proper waste disposal. Through active management, LASAN maintains sewer capacity while reducing emergency maintenance costs.

Commercial Regulations

Under Section 64.30 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, all Food Service Establishments (FSEs) generating grease waste must obtain an Industrial Wastewater Permit. Businesses are required to implement Kitchen Best Management Practices (BMPs) and operate approved grease removal devices, such as Gravity Grease Interceptors (GGIs) or Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors (HGIs), to trap grease before it enters the public system.

Environmental Benefits

Preventing sewer blockages directly protects our local environment and coastal waters. Sewer spills can wash untreated waste into storm drains, eventually reaching local rivers and Pacific Ocean beaches. By stopping grease at the source, our program ensures that wastewater reaches our water reclamation plants safely, where it can be treated and purified into recycled water.

Program Funding

The FOG Control Program operates on a cost-recovery model through industrial user fees. Commercial food businesses pay a standard permit application fee upon submittal, along with quarterly Inspection and Control (I&C) fees. These fees directly cover administrative oversight, field sampling, plan check reviews, and ongoing system inspections across LA City.

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