Municipal

Grease interceptor

In Greater Victoria, a food business that sends fat, oil or grease down the drain must install a certified, properly sized grease interceptor, and file a Waste Discharge Assessment Form with the CRD before choosing or replacing one — Victoria wants the CRD’s answer before it issues a building permit. Dishwashing, prep and barista sinks and dishwashers drain through it; toilets and hand sinks must not. Have it pumped out at least every 12 months and before grease and solids reach a quarter of its depth, and keep two years of records. Food trucks are exempt. Nanaimo requires one where wastewater carries excessive grease; elsewhere, ask your municipality.

Who issues it
The CRD in Greater Victoria; your municipality elsewhere
Cost
CRD fines reach $10,000 a day.
Forms and pages

Who needs it

Restaurants & cafésOpening or running a restaurant, café, take-out or coffee shop.BakeriesA commercial bakery, with or without a counter.Caterers & personal chefsIf you build your own kitchenDelivery-only & ghost kitchensIf you build your own kitchenPackaged food makersIf you build your own kitchenButchers, delis & fishmongersCutting and selling meat, fish or deli foods.

The rules behind this page

Last checked 26 September 2026. We check this guide regularly against Island Health, provincial and municipal sources, but regulations and laws change often and we can’t guarantee it is complete or current. Confirm with Island Health and your municipality before you apply, build or sell.

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