A grease interceptor cleaning log turns separate pump-outs into a service history. For food-service operations in the Columbus wastewater service area, the log is also a key part of the FOG Best Management Plan.
Columbus Grease Interceptor Cleaning Log Guide
Use the City’s current BMP packet for the official form and instructions. This page explains the record in plain language and helps facility staff know what to ask for after service.
Information worth capturing after every interceptor cleaning
Cleaning date
Record when the service actually occurred, not only the date it was scheduled or invoiced.
Grease removed
Capture the reported grease portion using the method required by the current City log or equivalent written information.
Solids removed
Keep solids information separate from total liquid volume so the record describes retained waste rather than water alone.
Equipment condition
Record whether the interceptor was reported satisfactory or unsatisfactory after cleaning.
Corrective action
If the condition is unsatisfactory, keep the listed action and who is responsible for follow-up.
Provider documentation
Retain supporting service paperwork and make sure it identifies the correct facility and equipment.
What the current Columbus cleaning rule requires from trucked-waste haulers
The April 2026 Grease Interceptor Cleaning Practices rule (Rule 26-02) says that when an interceptor is cleaned, the entire contents are to be removed and unobstructed flow is to be ensured. It also requires the facility cleaning log to be completed or equivalent information to be communicated in writing to the food-service operation.
The information includes the cleaning date, the amount of grease and solids removed not including water, and whether the interceptor condition is satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If the condition is unsatisfactory, corrective actions are to be listed.
Do not confuse an invoice with a complete cleaning log
An invoice can be useful
Invoices often show the service date, provider and a general description of work. Keep them with the facility records because they can support the service history.
But check the required fields
A generic invoice may not state grease and solids removed, equipment condition or corrective action. Compare the paperwork with the current City log rather than assuming any receipt is automatically complete.
Keep the log with the FOG BMP
The City publishes the BMP form, interceptor log and instructions together on its Sewer Forms page. Current City materials state that the BMP and relevant inspection/cleaning records are to be maintained for three years and made available when requested by the appropriate authority.
For a facility with more than one grease-control device, use a stable equipment identifier so a future manager can tell which unit each entry belongs to.
Related resources
Columbus Grease Interceptor Cleaning Log Guide FAQs
The current City rule requires the hauler to complete the facility log or communicate the required information in writing to the food-service operation. The facility should verify that the record is complete and retained.
No. The 2026 City rule specifically says the amount of grease and solids removed is reported not including water.
The current City rule calls for corrective actions to be listed. Keep those actions with the facility maintenance record until they are addressed.
Use the City of Columbus Sewer Forms page, which publishes the FOG Best Management Plan packet, interceptor log and instructions.
Make the cleaning record part of every service closeout
After the pump-out, verify the facility has the required date, removal and condition information. Do not wait until an inspection to discover that several months of service records are incomplete.