Food & Restaurants

Overview

Food waste, grease, cleaning fluids, mop water, and trash from restaurant operations often make their way into the Madison County storm drain system, and do not get treated before reaching the streams and rivers. This pollutes our drinking water and contaminates waterways, making them unsafe for people and wildlife. Follow these best management practices to prevent pollution, protect public health, and avoid fines or legal action.

For more information, please contact Stormwater Program Management at (731) 423-2041.

Best Management Practices

  • Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean equipment, floor mats, filters, and garbage cans in a mop sink, wash rack, or floor drain connected to the sewer through a grease trap. Don't wash them or pour wash water in a parking lot, alley, sidewalk, or street. Sweep outside areas and put the debris in the garbage, instead of sweeping or hosing it into the parking lot or street.
  • Recycle Oil and Grease: Oil and grease wastes can be recycled. Look in the yellow pages for rendering companies for disposal information. Don't pour oil or grease into sinks, floor drains, or onto a parking lot or street. Keep grease bins covered and contained.
  • Dumpster Areas: Keep dumpster lids closed and the areas around them clean. Do not fill them with liquid waste or hose them out. Call your trash hauler to replace any dumpsters that are damaged or leak. Do not wash down or steam clean the trash enclosure area or trash bin unless you collect the water and dispose of it in the sanitary sewer. Hire a mobile pressure wash business that is familiar with the stormwater regulations to clean these areas and make sure they provide you with a record of proper wastewater disposal.
  • Managing Spills: Use dry methods for spill cleanup, including sweeping and using cat litter instead of hosing. Have spill containment and cleanup kits available for possible spills on your property.
  • Handling Toxic Chemicals: Dispose of all unwanted toxic materials like cleaners, solvents, and detergents through a hazardous waste hauler. These items are not trash. Use non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible.