50% FOG Reduction Delivers Measurable Labor Savings for Commercial Grease Trap

A Japanese supermarket chain conducted a multi-phase demonstration trial to address recurring grease trap performance issues, including elevated fats, oils, and grease (FOG) concentrations, odor complaints, and frequent cleaning requirements.

The trial evaluated the performance of Rapid Release FOG Blocks and Odor Control Blocks under real operating conditions to improve grease breakdown, odor control, and overall grease trap cleanliness. The demonstration was conducted at a retail facility with support from an industrial wastewater and environmental solutions provider, with results observed over sequential evaluation periods.

Benefits

• Reduced visible oil and grease accumulation across multiple grease trap chambers
• Improved odor conditions during routine operation
• Enhanced breakdown and dissolution of FOG under low-flow conditions
• Cleaner grease trap conditions prior to scheduled cleanings
• Potential reduction in maintenance effort and cleaning frequency

Application

The grease trap treated wastewater from a retail food operation and had the following characteristics:

• Location: Outdoor installation
• Flow rate: Approximately 200 L/min
• Capacity: Approximately 250 L
• Configuration: Three chambers
  • First chamber: Influent
  • Second chamber: Separation
  • Third chamber: Effluent

Trial Phases

Phase 1: 30-day evaluation period

• One Rapid Release FOG Block added to the second (separation) chamber
• Objective: Establish a performance baseline FOG reduction and block dissolution under existing operating conditions

Phase 2: 26-day evaluation period

• One Rapid Release FOG Block added to the first (influent) chamber
• One Rapid Release FOG Block added to the second (separation) chamber
• Netting was removed from the first chamber block to improve dissolution under low-flow conditions

Phase 3: 30-day evaluation period

• One Odor Control Block added to the first (influent) chamber
• One Odor Control Block added to the second (separation) chamber
  • A softer formulation of Odor Control Block was introduced to improve melting behavior and odor control performance under low-flow conditions

Throughout the demonstration, grease trap conditions were visually documented before scheduled cleanings to monitor FOG accumulation and overall cleanliness.

Results

After the 30-day Phase 1 evaluation period, the total amount of oil in the separation chamber was reduced by approximately 50%. However, limited improvement was observed in the effluent chamber, and incomplete block dissolution suggested that slow internal flow conditions were limiting overall performance.

During the 26-day Phase 2 evaluation period, performance improved sustainability after blocks were applied to both the influent and separation chambers and netting was removed from the first chamber block. Visual observations showed:

• Minimal remaining oil in the separation chamber
• Significant reduction in oil carryover to the effluent chamber
• Improved overall cleanliness throughout the grease trap

Noticeable odor reduction compared to pre-trial conditions

The improved results were attributed to increasing biological contact with accumulated FOG and more complete block dissolution. Phase 3 was initiated to further optimize odor control and dissolution behavior using a soft block formulation.

Although the facility maintained its regular monthly grease trap cleaning schedule, improved conditions led to a 50% reduction in the time required for each pump-out and cleaning. Cleaner chambers and reduced FOG accumulation enabled maintenance personnel to complete service more efficiently, resulting in significant labor savings without altering the maintenance frequency.

Conclusion

This demonstration showed that Rapid Release FOG Blocks and Odor Control Blocks can significantly improve grease trap performance when product formulation and application strategies are adapted to specific conditions. Enhancements led to better FOG degradation, reduced odors, and improved grease trap cleanliness.

Rapid Release FOG Block

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Rapid Release FOG Block

Rapid Release FOG Block is a biological solution for routine FOG and organics control. It contains an advanced blend of microorganisms designed to provide continuous biological treatment in institutional settings for up to 30 days.

• Targets fats, oils, and grease (FOG)
• Controls FOG buildup and reduces blockages
• Advanced blend of FOG-degrading microorganisms in an extruded solid block
• Reduces pump station and sewer line cleaning frequency
• Easy to deploy and suspend in collection systems and lift stations
• Rapid-release formula delivers a high-activity dose early to jump-start treatment
• Helps prevent incomplete dissolution where mixing is limited

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Odor Control Block

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Odor Control Block

Odor Control Block is a highly concentrated formula designed to combat malodors from many different sources. This powerful formula brings three levels of attack to knock down strong odors – a high-count blend of bacteria chosen specifically for their ability to break down odor-causing compounds, a highly effective odor counteractant to provide immediate neutralization of the odor itself, and a fresh fragrance to mask and replace the odor.

• Effective against a wide variety of odor types and sources
• Breaks down built up FOG deposits
• Triple attack for both immediate and long-lasting odor control - eliminates the odor and breaks down the underlying causes
• Highly concentrated, extruded solid, extended release formula treats large volumes of water
• Odor and Grease Control

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The results highlight the importance of adapting biological treatment approaches for low-flow grease trap environments and provide a practical framework for improving grease trap operations in retail food facilities.