By venue type
Grease trap cleaning for cafes
What cafes actually pay for a planned grease trap clean, the practical interval most operate to, and the three reasons cafes commonly run their traps too hard.
Why cafes' traps fill up the way they do
- Constant dairy residue from milk-based coffee drinks ends up in the trap even though it does not look greasy.
- Pastries, sandwiches and brunch dishes contribute butter, cream and egg fats that build up steadily.
- Many cafes were fitted with the smallest practical trap to save space, which shortens the interval between cleans.
Typical size and frequency for a cafe
Typical trap size
1,000 litres
Typical interval
Every one to three months
Frequency is set per venue in the trade waste agreement. The figures above are practical starting points; the agreement is the rule. See how often should a trap be cleaned for the underlying logic.
What it costs
$230 to $300 for a planned 1,000L clean.
Most metros operate a 1,000-litre minimum charge to cover the truck call-out, so even a smaller trap is billed at the 1,000-litre rate. Quarterly contracts are the most common cafe pattern.
Full pricing by city and trap size: grease trap cleaning cost.
Getting quotes
Submit the venue address, your contact details and the trap details you know. Skip what you do not know, the contractor will confirm on site. Up to three licensed contractors quote, typically the same business day. Free for venues.
Frequently asked
- How often does a cafe need its grease trap cleaned?
- Quarterly is the most common cafe interval. Busier cafes with a heavy brunch service sometimes shift to bi-monthly. The frequency in your trade waste agreement is the rule.
- Does a small cafe really need a 1,000-litre grease trap?
- Often yes. The trap size is set by the local plumbing authority based on fixture units and seating, not just menu type. The 1,000-litre trap is the standard cafe fit-out.
- Can I clean my own grease trap?
- No. Trade waste regulations across Australia require a licensed liquid waste transporter to pump out and dispose of the waste at an approved facility. DIY cleaning is a breach.