GREASE CONTROL PROGRAM (food service facilities):
Dear Food Service Facility,
There will be a slight delay in processing the 2023 permit renewal notices due to technical difficulties. We are working diligently to resolve the issue. Once you receive your permit notice, you will have the customary 30 days upon receipt to make payment without penalties.
In case of any queries or issues, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,
JEFFERSON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Grease Control Program
1290 Oak Grove Road Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Phone: 205-238-3876
Fax: 205-940-7295
Business Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
When sewer lines become blocked due to fats, oils and grease in the system, it causes wastewater to back up and to overflow from manholes or building plumbing fixtures into storm drains, creeks or buildings. These overflows are referred to sanitary sewer overflows (SSO). SSOs violate the Clean Water Act and render Jefferson County subject to fines and other legal action. Investigations by Jefferson County Environmental Services Department have shown that grease is a major contributor to dry weather SSOs in the County.
When fats, oils and grease are disposed of directly into the sewer system it cools, solidifies and combines with other foreign materials in the sewer line. Over time this will restrict the flow through the pipes and in some cases completely block a sewer line.
In an effort to prevent these damaging and costly overflows, the Grease Control Program was developed and implemented in October 2006. The various components of the program include: food service facility inspections and permitting, apartment and multi-family residence awareness campaign and a free cooking oil recycling program. All of these combined efforts are intended to decrease the SSOs and to maintain the integrity of the sanitary sewer system county wide. This program is essential in supporting the County to meet all of the regulatory guidelines for the Clean Water Act, the EPA and ADEM’s water quality requirements and the terms of the 1996 Consent Decree.
Grease control program facilities hours of operation: Monday- Friday 8 am to 4 pm
205-238-3876 or greasecontrol@jccal.org
Documents Regarding Grease:
Grease Control Program Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How to Clean a Grease Interceptor
Locations of Household Cooking Oil and Grease Recycling Centers
New Food Service Facility Permitting Guidelines.pdf
