Cobb County FOG & Grease Rules

Who this applies to

The required frequency for maintenance and/or reporting of your FSE’s grease trap is specified on the FSE’s Discharge Permit [E01].

Key requirements

Cleaning/pump-out frequency: The required frequency for maintenance and/or reporting of your FSE’s grease trap is specified on the FSE’s Discharge Permit [E01]. For passive interior and exterior grease traps to achieve compliance, FSE’s have two available measures: Submit a completed manifest showing the grease trap was pumped out within ten (10) business days of the pump due date on the letter via email to FOG.fog@cobbcounty.gov , OR Pump the grease trap & submit the completed manifest within fourteen (14) business days of the date on the NOV letter via email to FOG@cobbcounty.gov [E02]. For active interior grease traps to achieve compliance, your FSE must provide a manifest for the grease trap AND the grease waste drum showing it has been pumped out within fourteen (14) business days of the date of the NOV letter via email to FOG@cobbcounty.gov [E03]. CLEANING LOGS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED [E13].
Sizing and installation: All new FSE’s are required to install an exterior (outside-in-ground) grease trap unless there is a technical or engineering reason as to why one cannot be installed [E05]. If an exterior grease trap cannot be installed, a written letter addressed to the Grease Management Program via email at FOG.fog@cobbcounty.gov must be submitted stating in detail the reasons for why one cannot be installed [E06]. The type and size of the required grease interceptor will be determined by the Grease Management Program [E07].
Permits: All projects in unincorporated Cobb County need to start the permitting process by submitting a commercial FOG permit application form and plans to CommBldgApplication@cobbcounty.gov . Once you have an application number, CCWS will be informed by Cobb County Community Development and will begin a review [E08]. Projects within the city limits of Kennesaw, Acworth, Powder Springs, and Mableton: start by requesting a plan review appointment with the Fire Marshal’s office at www.cobbfmo.org and submit plans, FSE application, and a commercial building permit application to our Plan Review team via email at CCWSPlanReview@cobbcounty.gov [E09].
Inspections: If a new grease trap (interior or exterior) is installed, an inspection should be scheduled prior to installation. To set up an inspection, please contact the Grease Management Program at 770-419-6430 or email FOG.fog@cobbcounty.gov . Please allow 24 to 48 hours for inspection scheduling [E04] [E14]. It is required that a grease trap inspection be done prior to a grease trap being installed, replaced, or repaired to ensure that the systems are properly sized, functioning properly, and compliant with county standards and design specifications [E15].
Best management practices: Dumpster runoff, leaks, and unbagged debris flow directly into Cobb County’s stormwater system, polluting local water supplies and ecosystems. To comply with Cobb County Code and avoid legal penalties, commercial, construction, and industrial facilities must implement key Best Management Practices (BMPs) [E16]. Keep Containers Closed & Covered: Always close top lids and sliding doors to prevent rain from leaching pollutants into storm drains, keep pests out, and contain debris. Cover long-term roll-off dumpsters [E16]. Keep Surrounding Areas Clean: Monitor daily for litter and spills. Use dry cleanup methods for spills and consider locking containers to stop illegal dumping [E16]. Smart Location & Positioning: Do not place dumpsters near or on storm drains. Keep them in covered areas, away from the storm drainage system, or connected to the sanitary sewer system where appropriate [E16]. Bag All Trash: Securely bag waste—especially food waste—before disposal to prevent pollution and health hazards [E17]. Proper Liquid & Grease Disposal: Never pour liquids, cooking grease, or hazardous materials into regular dumpsters or storm drains. Use designated, labeled grease drums/traps and ensure their lids remain closed [E18]. Inspect & Maintain Equipment: Conduct daily checks for leaks, rust, holes, or missing drain plugs. Immediately notify your sanitation vendor for replacements or repairs if leaks occur. Ensure compactor motors are not leaking petroleum products (POLs) [E19].
Records: For passive interior and exterior grease traps to achieve compliance, FSE’s have two available measures: Submit a completed manifest showing the grease trap was pumped out within ten (10) business days of the pump due date on the letter via email to FOG.fog@cobbcounty.gov , OR Pump the grease trap & submit the completed manifest within fourteen (14) business days of the date on the NOV letter via email to FOG@cobbcounty.gov . In addition , provide a written explanation for not having the grease trap pumped out on time and a corrective plan to ensure the grease trap is pumped out per the frequency given in your FSE discharge permit [E11].

What to keep on file

Completed manifest showing the grease trap was pumped out within ten (10) business days of the pump due date on the letter [E02] [E11].
Completed manifest showing the grease trap was pumped out within fourteen (14) business days of the date on the NOV letter [E02] [E11].
Manifest for the grease trap AND the grease waste drum showing it has been pumped out within fourteen (14) business days of the date of the NOV letter [E03] [E12].
Written explanation for not having the grease trap pumped out on time and a corrective plan to ensure the grease trap is pumped out per the frequency given in your FSE discharge permit [E11].

Cobb County FOG & Grease Rules

Who this applies to

Key requirements

What to keep on file

Choosing a hauler

Sources

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