Pollution Prevention for Restaurants

Restaurants and other members of the food service industry generate a variety of waste products which can become pollutants. These include trash, cooking oil and grease, food scraps, and cleaning chemicals. If these waste products are not properly managed, rain, washwater, and wind can transport them to Visalia's waterways and basins through our storm drain system. Here are Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the food service industry to help keep our waterways, basins, and groundwater clean: 

Waste Disposal

• Scrape food waste off serving tables, plates, utensils, pots, food preparation and cooking areas, and dispose of it in the food waste (organics) bin or trash. Click Here to learn more about how to dispose of food waste in Visalia.
• Never put food waste down the drain. Food scraps often contain grease, which can clog sewer pipes and result in sewage backups and overflows.
• Close dumpster lids to keep birds, vectors, and stormwater out.
• Perform routine maintenance in the dumpster enclosure, including removal of surrounding debris and trash.
• Never put liquid waste in dumpsters or trash cans.
• Dispose of grease in appropriate receptacles.
• Do NOT pour grease into storm drains or sanitary sewers.

Cleaning

• Use a mop-sink or wash basin to dispose of waste water generated during cleaning activities.
• Wash water from cleaning equipment such as filters, grills, and floor mats must be discharged to the sanitary sewer. Do not wash equipment into the street or alleyway.
• Sweep sidewalks, parking lots, and all paved surfaces before or instead of washing. Washing down of hard surfaces is prohibited in Visalia unless necessary for the health and safety of the public, in which case a low-flow, high pressure washer must be used. See the Watering Rules for more permanent water conservation requirements.
• Clean up spills immediately with absorbent materials like rags or kitty litter instead of a hose. If you use kitty litter or other dry absorbent material, make sure to sweep up and dispose of the material properly.
• Do NOT hose down spills.

Employee Training

• Provide regular employee training on spill cleanup procedures and washing practices.
• Stencil onsite storm drains to discourage illegal, harmful dumping.
• Post Best Management Practice information where employees can see it.