Grease Trap Cleaning in Portland, ME: Cost, Rules & Top Companies (2026)
Running a commercial kitchen in Portland? Staying on top of grease trap cleaning keeps you out of a sewer backup and compliant with Maine's FOG rules. Here's what it costs in Portland, how often you're required to clean, the permit and regulation basics, and the local companies that handle it.
What Grease Trap Cleaning Costs in Portland
Portland is in a higher-cost region — the Northeast and West Coast typically run 20–40% above the national baseline, so expect the upper end of these ranges.
| Trap / interceptor size | Typical cost per service |
|---|---|
| Small trap (under 50 gal) | $115 – $240 |
| Medium trap (50–500 gal) | $150 – $475 |
| Large interceptor (500–1,500 gal) | $400 – $1,200 |
| Large interceptor (1,500+ gal) | $475 – $2,500 |
Typical ranges per service — your price depends on trap size, accessibility, and frequency. Recurring contracts usually run 15–30% below one-off rates. Estimate yours with the cost estimator or see the full pricing guide.
How Often You Must Clean It in Portland
No statewide interval — state rules cover the waste side (transport and disposal), while cities like Portland run their own FOG programs that set cleaning schedules. The industry-standard 25% rule applies either way: clean before fats, oils, and grease reach a quarter of your trap's capacity, because past that point grease passes straight through to the sewer. High-volume kitchens (fryers, BBQ, seafood) often need service more often than the minimum.
Portland Grease Trap Requirements, Permits & Penalties
| Program | City of Portland Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Program (official page) |
Always get a signed manifest at every service and keep your records — that's the proof inspectors ask for. For the full Maine breakdown (hauler licensing, record retention, state penalties), see the Maine grease trap regulations guide.
Top Grease Trap Cleaning Companies in Portland
Screened companies serving Portland and the surrounding metro:
- Zoom Drain of New England (Portland) · 4.9★ · (207) 495-7793
- Northeast Sewer & Drain Service · 4.8★ · (207) 839-6839
- Happy Traps LLC · (207) 893-6044
See all grease trap companies in Portland → or get free quotes from several at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does grease trap cleaning cost in Portland?
In Portland, expect roughly $150–$475 for small-to-medium traps and $400–$1,200 for larger interceptors per service. Portland is in a higher-cost region — the Northeast and West Coast typically run 20–40% above the national baseline, so expect the upper end of these ranges. Get 2–3 local quotes to compare — it's free.
How often do I have to clean my grease trap in Portland?
No statewide interval — state rules cover the waste side (transport and disposal), while cities like Portland run their own FOG programs that set cleaning schedules. Regardless of the calendar, clean before FOG and solids reach 25% of capacity — past that, grease escapes to the sewer, which is what triggers violations.
Do I need a permit for a grease trap in Portland?
In most Portland-area kitchens, yes — food service establishments must register with or get a permit from the local FOG/pretreatment program before discharging to the sewer. See the Maine regulations guide for details.
What are the penalties for grease trap violations in Portland?
Fines are set by the local sewer authority and can escalate for repeat violations. Keep a signed manifest from every cleaning and your maintenance records on file — that's what inspectors ask for first.
Get Free Portland Grease Trap Quotes
Compare screened local companies in minutes — no obligation.
Get My Free Quote