Grease Trap Cleaning Requirements in NSW, VIC, and QLD

Grease traps are one of the easiest compliance items to overlook. The rules are clear, but every utility sets its own schedule. Here's what you need to know to stay compliant and keep your kitchen moving.

Quick checklist (printable)

• Pump-out schedule pinned near the trap (dates + contractor).
• Contractor manifests kept for at least 2 years (3+ recommended).
• Staff trained: no oils down sinks, wipe pans before washing.
• Strainers in sinks; scrape plates before rinsing.
• Bin bay clear for pump-out truck access.
• Add a reminder 7 days before each scheduled pump-out.

NSW (Sydney Water and other utilities)

• Typical schedule: every 1-3 months depending on trap size and volume.
• Trade waste agreement required; keep a copy on-site.
• Missed pump-outs can trigger non-compliance notices and re-inspection fees.

Victoria (Greater Western Water, Yarra Valley Water)

• Commonly 8-12 weeks between pump-outs; high-volume sites may be 4-6 weeks.
• You must use a licensed waste transporter and retain receipts.
• Grease trap condition is checked during health inspections.

Queensland (Urban Utilities and local councils)

• Often 1-3 month schedules; gold coast/Brisbane eateries with heavy fryers are reviewed more closely.
• Keep a visible log for inspectors; missed visits can lead to extra pump-outs at your cost.

How to avoid overpaying

• Align pump-out visits with bin collection windows to keep access clear.
• If your trap is consistently low at pump-out, ask your provider to review frequency-reductions can save $600-$1,200/year.
• Combine grease trap cleaning with your restaurant bins service so billing and scheduling are in one place. We can set this up via our grease trap service page or directly through Contact.

Signs you need an earlier pump-out

• Slow drains, odour near the trap, or backups during service.
• Surface grease visible in the trap before the scheduled date.
• Repeated blockages in dishwash area.

Useful references

• NSW: Sydney Water trade waste
• VIC: Greater Western Water trade waste
• QLD: Urban Utilities food and trade waste

Need a clear schedule? Send your address and current pump-out frequency via Contact. We'll confirm the right interval and bundle it with your bin pickups so you don't juggle vendors.