Pollution Prevention for the Food Service Industry
Stormwater pollution prevention is everyone’s responsibility, including contractors, residents and merchants in the food service industry. Bakeries, cafeterias, restaurants, grocery stores, delicatessens and food producers and distributors need to take the necessary steps to prevent pollutants from entering storm drains.
Where Storm Drains Go
The sanitary sewer system, connected to your sinks, toilet and floor drains, collects and treats wastewater prior to releasing it back into the environment. The storm drain system, found in streets, parking lots and roadside ditches, drains directly to local waterways with no treatment. Allowing pollutants to enter the storm drain system harms the environment and is also illegal. Following are some ways the food industry can do their part to help prevent stormwater pollution:
 Grease and Oil
- Collect grease and oil in covered leak-free bins. Schedule regular pick-ups with your local rendering service.
- Never dump grease, oil, sauces or fats into the sink drain, storm drain, or dumpster. Dumping oil or grease down the sink can cause severe blockages in the sewer resulting in untreated sewage entering into creeks and wetlands.
Landscaping - Minimize use of pesticides and fertilizers. Do not apply them in wet weather or allow irrigation run-off. Do not blow, rake or sweep landscape wastes into the street or gutter.
 Wash Water
- Sweep, vacuum or mop outdoor areas instead of hosing or pressure washing. Sweep or vacuum parking lots and drive thru areas regularly.
- Clean equipment under cover and in a contained run-off area. Be sure to use a mop sink that drains to the sanitary sewer when washing equipment.
- Use an approved contact service to clean large kitchen floor mats.
- Never pour wash water outside.
Food Waste - Wrap food wastes in plastic bags and place them in the dumpster.
- Meat fat should be collected in a covered, leak-free tallow bin.
 Dumpster Waste
- Provide a containment area for your dumpster that prevents wind and rain from transporting loose trash or liquids to the storm drain.
- Replace leaky dumpsters. Keep the dumpster lid closed when not in use.
- Avoid overfilling dumpsters by scheduling regular service pick-ups.
Spills - Train employees to properly clean up spills.
- Keep clean up materials such as rags, cat litter and other absorbent materials handy and accessible. Sweep up or absorb the spill, bag the waste and place it in the dumpster.
Report Illegal Dumping
Our inspectors and maintenance crews are on the look-out for possible illegal dumping into the city storm drain system. Click here to report an incident of illegal dumping into a storm drain or call the Department of Public Works at 916.625.5500. |
