Non-compliant filter cleaning methods

Cleaning dirty grease filters outdoors in parking lots carries with it a host of problems. For one, because of their baffled design, the filters only get clean on the outside. For another, dirty, grease-filled water runs off filters and into nearby stormwater drainage systems. THIS IS A SERIOUS EPA VIOLATION.

Both restaurant and company cleaning the filers can be held liable and fined.

Three-compartment sinks are typically used for cleaning and sanitizing service ware. Some health codes specify these sinks cannot be used for anything else.

Regardless of this, many food service establishments use their sinks to clean dirty grease filters. To do so, they must fill the sinks with caustic (high pH) cleaning solutions and allow the filters to soak. Done this way, grease-laden water drains into grease traps. However, because the water has such a high pH level, the water sometimes bypasses the grease trap and contributes to sanitary sewer overflows. This is how caustic, grease-laden water ends up in public sewer systems.

Dishwasher cleaning of grease filters:

• uses more water than sink cleaning
• may void the dishwasher's manufacture warranty
• may be in violation of health codes
• only cleans the surface of the filters