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Salt Lake Valley Health Department

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Solid and Hazardous Waste

Food Washing

In Salt Lake County, there are two water conveyance systems.

The first system is the sanitary sewer system, which conveys sewage and wastewater to treatment plants where the water is treated and discharged under permit to streams and rivers. The individual sanitary sewer districts regulate the flow into their systems and often require pretreatment of the wastewater from industrial sources prior to acceptance of wastewater.

The second system is the storm water system. In this system, storm water from gutters, storm drains, streets, and parking lots flow directly into the streams and rivers without treatment of any kind. Unlike the sanitary system, the only water allowed in the storm water system is storm water. The discharge of wastes into this system is in violation of the Utah Water Quality Act and Health Department Regulations, and violators are subject to civil and /or criminal action. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department has the authority to issue penalties for improper disposal of up to $10,000.00 on a per day basis

Common issues

  1. Restaurant Alleys, Grocery Dumpster Areas (outdoors)
    No discharge allowed to storm drain.
    1. Best Option: Clean using absorbents, if possible. Dispose of absorbent material as a solid waste.
    2. Second Best Option: Sweep and spot clean first. Seal storm drains. Wash area and collect wash water for disposal at the sanitary sewer.
  2. Restaurant Cleaning of Floor Mats, Exhaust Filters, Etc.
    1. Best Option: Clean mats, etc. inside building with discharge to sanitary sewer (sink or floor drain).
    2. Second Best Option: Clean mats, etc. outside, in a bermed area with a drain that is connected to the sanitary sewer.
  3. Kitchen Grease
    Save for recycling in a sealed container. The container should be secured to prevent accidental spills. Do not contaminate the recyclable fats with the grease from an interceptor or trap.
    Kitchen waste grease from interceptor trap
    Never dispose of waste grease in the storm drain or creek. Keep the waste grease area clean and free from contamination. If contaminates are allowed to discharge to the storm drain system during a rain event, this will still be considered an illegal discharge due to negligence and a penalty may be imposed. The waste grease from the traps should be periodically collected and disposed of at a permitted facility. Contact the Health Department for disposal options.
  4. Grocery Carts
    If soap is used, wash water must be collected and discharged to the sanitary sewer.

    If no soap is used:
    1. Best Option: Capture wastewater, filter to remove suspended solids, and pump to the sanitary sewer.
    2. Second Best Option: Contact the local sanitary sewer department for disposal options. Hot/warm water discharges to the storm drain are prohibited.
  5. Lunch Wagons/Food Carts
    Wash water must be discharged to a sanitary sewer. Never discharge any wastewater (except melted ice) to gutters or storm drains. Trucks, carts, and equipment should be cleaned on a properly equipped wash pad.

If you have questions call (385) 468-3862 or visit us the Storm Water Coalition website.