Installing Grease Traps in Commercial Kitchens for Schools, Prisons, and Hospitals
Operating a commercial kitchen in a school, prison, or hospital brings a unique set of responsibilities — one of the most critical being the proper management of fats, oils, and grease (FOG). Installing a commercial grease trap is essential to prevent blocked drains, maintain hygiene standards, and comply with UK regulations. Whether your facility is catering for students, inmates, or patients, a professionally installed grease trap is key to keeping your kitchen running efficiently and meeting environmental standards.
What Is a Grease Trap in a Commercial Kitchen?
A grease trap is a plumbing device that captures fats, oils, and grease before they enter the drainage system. Installed beneath sinks or externally, it allows wastewater to flow through while separating grease and solids, which remain in the trap until they are removed. Without a grease trap, FOG can build up in the pipework and enter the drainage system, leading to foul odours, blocked drains, fatbergs and potential fines for non-compliance with local water authority regulations.
Grease traps come in various forms, including:
- Internal passive grease traps – compact units for smaller-scale use.
- External passive grease traps – suitable for larger operations with higher FOG output.
- Grease recovery units (GRUs) – advanced systems that can separate and collect grease for potential recycling.
Choosing the right type of grease trap depends on the size and output of your kitchen. Schools and smaller care facilities might only need internal solutions, while larger hospitals or prison kitchens may require external units or GRUs.
Do Schools, Prisons, and Hospitals Need Grease Traps?
Yes — if your facility prepares and serves hot food, you will likely need a grease trap. This applies to all public sector kitchens, including:
- School canteens and academies
- Hospital catering services
- Prison kitchens and correctional facility food operations
Even if your kitchen does not produce large volumes of grease, a grease trap helps prevent the build-up of FOG in the system and ensures compliance with environmental and drainage regulations.
A professional grease management plan will assess your kitchen’s needs and help you identify the most appropriate solution.
How Do I Choose the Right Size?
The correct grease trap size for your facility depends on factors such as the number of meals served daily, the type of food prepared, and the equipment in use. Smaller school kitchens may be able to use compact, internal traps, whereas hospitals and prisons — with higher volumes and multiple food service areas — often require larger systems or custom solutions.
At Filta, we carry out a full site assessment and recommend the best option for your operation, including our Filta Cyclone grease recovery unit or bespoke alternatives tailored to your kitchen’s requirements.
Is It a Legal Requirement?
Yes. In the UK, most commercial kitchens are legally required to install a grease trap to comply with the Water Industry Act 1991, which aims to prevent FOG from entering the public sewer system. Local water companies are authorised to take enforcement action or issue fines if kitchens are found to be non-compliant.
By installing and maintaining the right grease management system, your facility will not only stay compliant but also avoid unnecessary downtime and costly repairs due to blocked drains.
The Filta Cyclone Grease Recovery Unit
The Filta Cyclone is one of the most energy-efficient grease recovery units on the market, offering excellent FOG separation while using less energy than traditional GRUs. Featuring eight independent hydro cyclones and a two-stage grease separation and recovery system, the Filta Cyclone is designed to help facilities like schools, hospitals, and prisons stay compliant while also enabling the recycling of collected grease.
We provide full support, including installation, ongoing servicing, and grease collection or recycling, to ensure your kitchen’s grease is managed effectively and responsibly.
Tips for Grease Trap Maintenance
To ensure your grease trap continues to perform efficiently, regular maintenance is essential. We recommend the following:
- Schedule regular professional cleaning and servicing
- Remove food scraps before washing dishes
- Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink
- Ensure staff are trained on proper grease disposal practices
Our team at Filta also offers comprehensive maintenance services and support to keep your system in peak condition. For more information on grease trap installation, contact Filta today.