Commercial kitchens in Lexington follow the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) grease ordinance. This guide explains the cleaning requirements in plain language, what grease trap service typically costs, and how to stay compliant.
Lexington rules at a glance
- Indoor traps: cleaned at least once a week
- Outdoor traps: pumped by a grease hauler at least every 6 months
- Your permit: may require more frequent service
Free grease trap service quotes in Lexington
- 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 cleaned in Lexington?
- Indoor grease traps: at least once a week, or as often as your permit requires.
- Outdoor grease traps: pumped and cleaned at least every six months, or as often as your permit requires.
Who can pump your trap?
Outdoor grease traps must be pumped and cleaned by a grease hauler. Ask your provider for a written record of each service so you have proof of maintenance.
Indoor traps vs. outdoor traps
An indoor grease trap is a smaller unit, usually under or near a sink, and fills quickly, which is why Lexington requires weekly cleaning. An outdoor grease trap (often called 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.
Check your permit
Your permit may require more frequent service than the minimums above. LFUCG publishes its grease ordinance at lexingtonky.gov/FOG, and you can call 311 with questions. Keep your permit and service records together so they’re easy to show if asked.
How much does grease trap service cost in Lexington?
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 Lexington 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 Lexington’s rules compare with other cities? Read our guide: How often should a grease trap be cleaned?
Signs your grease trap needs service sooner
- 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.
- Your outdoor trap is close to six months since its last pumping.
- You’re heading into a busy period, such as game days, holidays, or events.
Tips to stay compliant
- Add the weekly indoor trap cleaning to your kitchen closing checklist.
- Book outdoor trap pumping on a recurring schedule well before the six-month mark.
- 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 LFUCG before using them.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs to pump an outdoor grease trap?
A grease hauler. Outdoor traps must be pumped and cleaned by one at least every six months, or more often if your permit says so.
Where can I read the full ordinance?
LFUCG publishes it at lexingtonky.gov/FOG. You can also call 311 with questions.
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 Lexington
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: LFUCG FOG information sheet (undated). Cost ranges are general industry estimates, not Lexington quotes. This summary isn’t legal advice; confirm current requirements with LFUCG. Last reviewed October 2026.
