How often do grease traps have to be pumped in New Orleans, LA?

Pump at least every 90 days; before grease + solids reach 25% of depth/capacity. Source: Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), checked 2026-10-17. Rules change; confirm with the local sewer authority.

What size grease interceptor is required in New Orleans?

Minimum 125 gal, per the official source. Your plumbing official can require more.

Do restaurants in New Orleans need a grease trap permit?

Permit required; fees listed: $100, per the official source checked 2026-10-17.

States / Louisiana / New Orleans

New Orleans, LA grease trap & interceptor requirements

Program run by Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). Hand-checked against source Last checked 2026-10-17. Report an error / rule changed

Quick answer

How often to pump: At least every 90 days; before grease + solids reach 25% of depth/capacity
Interceptor minimum / sizing: Minimum 125 gal
Permit / fees: Permit required; fees listed: $100

From the official source(s) below, last checked 2026-10-17. Rules change; verify with your city.

Rules change; verify with your city. Summaries are plain-English restatements of the official source linked below; “Source says” shows the exact wording. Blank rows mean the sources we checked did not state that rule, not that there is no rule.

Required trap / interceptor type	Source says: “All new FSEs shall be required to install a grease interceptor, unless granted a Variance for Cause by the Sewerage and Water Board Plumbing Department.”
Sizing rule	Minimum 125 gal. Source says “Traps are typically in- floor recessed grease retention units, which are normally not less than 125 gallons capacity.”
Pumping / cleaning frequency	Interceptors must be fully evacuated at least every 90 days, and within 2 working days whenever 25% or more of the design capacity (bottom to outlet invert) holds grease, solids or floating material (SWBNO Plumbing Code §16.5). ✓ checked against source
Permit required?	A permit is required (see source wording). Source says “Grease Trap and/or Interceptor Discharge Permit Application .”
Permit & program fees	Fees listed in the source: $100. Source says “Grease Trap/Interceptor Discharge Permit Fees are $100 per interceptor and/or grease trap (check or money order only) and must be submitted with the permit application.”
Inspections	Grease traps/interceptors are subject to inspection. Source says “Before a permit can be issued, each permittee shall obtain a licensed plumber or other qualified professional approved by SWBNO to inspect each grease trap/interceptor.”
Record keeping	Keep pumping and maintenance records (manifests/logs) available for inspection. Source says “(g) All property owners and/or FSE’s shall maintain cleaning and pumping receipt records that include: date and time grease interceptor was cleaned, quantity of grease and materials removed, company or qualified agent providing services.”
Pumper / hauler approval	Not stated in the sources we checked
Reporting portal	Not stated in the sources we checked
Fines & penalties	Not stated in the sources we checked
Program contact	environmental@swbno.org · (504) 942-3858

Sources

https://webwstprodstussc1.blob.core.windows.net/www-documents/Environmental/Pretreatment/PretreatmentOrdinanceSection16.5February2016.pdf · checked 2026-10-17
https://nola.gov/grease-trap-permit/ · checked 2026-10-17

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Use the grease interceptor sizing calculator (UPC, IPC and PDI methods), then confirm New Orleans's own minimums above. Not sure how often to pump? Read how often to pump a grease trap.

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