The City of Amarillo’s Industrial Waste Department runs a grease trap program for food service facilities. This guide explains what it requires in plain language, what grease trap service typically costs, and how to avoid a failed inspection.
Amarillo rules at a glance
- How often: no fixed interval; traps must be maintained on a regular basis
- If an inspector flags it: service within 10 business days
- Who can pump: city-permitted pumpers using the city manifest
- Records: most recent manifest on site
Free grease trap service quotes in Amarillo
- Tell us about your trap or interceptor in about 2 minutes.
- A local service provider contacts you within 1 business day.
- Free, with no obligation to hire.
How often must grease traps be pumped in Amarillo?
- The city’s program page doesn’t set a fixed interval. Grease traps must be pumped or maintained on a regular basis.
- If an inspector finds your trap needs service, it must be done within 10 business days of the inspection.
- If a re-inspection finds it still hasn’t been serviced, the matter is referred to the Environmental Health Department for enforcement.
Because there’s no fixed interval, the right schedule depends on your trap size and how much grease your kitchen produces. A service provider can measure the grease and solids at each visit and recommend a schedule that keeps you ahead of inspections.
Who can pump your trap?
Pumper companies must be permitted by the Industrial Waste Department and must use the City’s manifest. Before hiring anyone, ask to confirm they hold a current city permit.
What records should you keep?
After each pump-out, the pumper leaves a copy of the manifest with you. The city asks facilities to keep the most recent copy on site so it’s ready for an inspector. If no manifest is available during an inspection, the inspector leaves an information request form, so keeping past manifests organized saves time.
Grease traps vs. grease interceptors
A grease trap is a smaller unit, usually indoors under or near a sink, and fills quickly. A grease interceptor is a much larger tank, usually buried outside, holding hundreds or thousands of gallons, and is emptied by a vacuum truck. Both slow wastewater down so grease floats to the top and food solids sink, keeping both out of the sewer. Read more: grease trap vs. grease interceptor.
How much does grease trap service cost in Amarillo?
Price depends on the size of your trap, how often it’s serviced, how easy it is to reach, and travel distance. As a general guide, published industry price guides list roughly $130 to $200 per cleaning for small indoor traps under a service agreement ($200 to $250 for a one-off visit), and roughly $240 to $330 per pumping for a 1,000 to 1,500 gallon outdoor interceptor on contract. Local Amarillo prices may differ, so request a quote for an exact figure. See our grease trap cleaning cost guide for typical prices, extra fees and yearly costs.
Want to see how Amarillo’s rules compare with other cities? Read our guide: How often should a grease trap be cleaned?
Texas also has state rules on who may pump your trap and what to do with the trip ticket. See our guide to Texas grease trap rules.
Signs your grease trap needs service
- Sinks or floor drains are draining slowly.
- You notice grease or sewer odors near drains or the trap lid.
- Water or grease is backing up into sinks or onto the floor.
- You can’t remember the last pump-out, or can’t find the manifest.
- You’re heading into a busy period, such as holidays or events.
Tips to stay compliant
- Set a recurring service schedule instead of waiting for an inspector to flag a problem.
- Only hire city-permitted pumpers, and keep every manifest they give you.
- Scrape plates into the trash and use sink strainers to keep food out of drains.
- Never pour fryer oil or grease down a drain. Collect it for recycling instead.
- Some programs restrict enzymes or other additives, so check with the City of Amarillo before using them.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fixed pumping schedule in Amarillo?
The city’s program page doesn’t set one. Traps must be pumped or maintained on a regular basis, and an inspector can require service within 10 business days.
What happens if my trap fails inspection?
You have 10 business days to have it serviced. If a re-inspection finds it still hasn’t been pumped or maintained, the case is referred to the Environmental Health Department for enforcement.
How do I get a quote?
Fill in our quote request form with your location, trap type, and last service date. We pass your request to a local service provider, who contacts you directly. Using this site is free.
Get grease trap service in Amarillo
Tell us about your kitchen and a local grease trap service provider will contact you within 1 business day. It’s free, and you’re under no obligation to hire anyone.
Source: City of Amarillo, Grease Trap Program. Cost ranges are general industry estimates, not Amarillo quotes. This summary isn’t legal advice; confirm current requirements with the City of Amarillo. Last reviewed October 2026.
