Grease Waste Requirements are Now Effective 

 

What Florida’s Grease Waste Program Does 

Florida has a program to make sure that grease waste, like the fats, oils, and grease from restaurant kitchens, is handled safely and responsibly. This waste may potentially clog pipes and harm the environment if it is not properly disposed. 

Here’s how the program works: 

  • Restaurants and other food businesses (also known as “originators”) have their grease traps or interceptors cleaned regularly. 
  • Licensed grease haulers and Self-Cleaners are the only ones allowed to remove and transport this waste. They must take it to permitted or certified disposal facilities that are set up to handle grease waste safely. 
  • Every time grease waste is collected, a form called a Service Manifest is filled out. It shows who collected the grease, where it came from, and where it was taken. Everyone involved signs it, and copies are kept for records. 
  • Disposal facilities must be permitted or certified by the state and follow rules to make sure the grease is stored, processed, or recycled safely. These facilities must also be ready for emergencies like fires or spills. 
  • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and local governments can inspect businesses and haulers to make sure they are following the rules. 
  • If someone breaks the rules, i.e., dumping grease illegally or not keeping records, they can be fined or lose their license. 

This program helps protect Florida’s environment, keeps plumbing systems working, and ensures that grease waste is handled in a clean and safe way. 

Who Handles Grease Waste? 

  • Hauler: A licensed person or company that collects and disposes of grease waste. 
  • Originator: A business that makes or serves food (like restaurants, schools, hospitals). 
  • Self-cleaner: An originator that removes and transports its own grease waste (less than 55 gallons). 
  • Disposal Facility: A permitted or certified facility that accepts and processes grease waste. 

What are Their Responsibilities? 

The regulations for grease waste removal and disposal are found in Section 403.0741, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 62-705, Florida Administrative Code. 

Who 

Getting Started 

If Already Operating 

Ongoing Duties 

Hauler 

Apply for a license 30 days before starting. 

Apply before June 5, 2026.  

Renew by March 1 each year. 

License expires April 1. 

Use service manifest for every job. 

Keep records for one year. 

Originator  

 

Keep a signed copy of the hauler’s service manifest. 

Same as those getting started. 

Keep signed manifests. 

Self-cleaner 

Follow all hauler rules (except licensing). 

Same as those getting started. 

Keep signed manifests. 

Disposal Facility 

Apply if not already permitted by the Department of Environmental Protection. 

Apply before Dec 7, 2026 (unless already permitted). 

Renew 60 days before expiration 

Certification expires 3 years from issuance. 

Keep monthly records. 

Inspect tanks regularly. 

Process grease within 6 months. 

 

Grease Waste Rules and Forms 

Join Contact List  

Submit a response to our Grease Waste Survey if you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive information on the Grease Waste Program. 

History 

Senate Bill 1110 passed in the 2022 Florida legislative session and published in the Laws of Florida 2022-095 creating section 403.0741, Florida Statutes. The law requires grease waste haulers to dispose of grease waste, including waste from grease interceptors and traps, at disposal facilities and to document grease waste removal and disposal with service manifests. Chapter 705, Florida Administrative Code 

Contact Information 

850-245-8705 

Grease.Waste@FloridaDEP.gov 

Last Modified: Monday, Dec 15, 2025 - 02:30pm