Pretreatment Program

The primary emphasis of the Pretreatment Program is to protect the wastewater collection system and wastewater treatment plants from toxic materials that could damage the pipes or treatment process.

MAWSS’ Pretreatment Program concentrates on minimizing grease from food service facilities and heavy metals from industry from entering the collection system. 

Grease Management

MAWSS has developed industry leading practices on grease management to prevent sanitary sewer overflows in the wastewater collection system. MAWSS enforces a grease ordinance, which, requires restaurants and food handling facilities to properly dispose of their grease. Food Preparation Facility employees are required to undergo training from the Mobile County Health Department on the proper handling and disposal of grease.  Food Service Grease Control Manual

A residential cooking grease recycling program called, “It’s Easy to be Ungreasy”, provides free collection containers to customers for used cooking grease which is then recycled into useful products such as industrial lubricants, animal feed and bio-diesel fuel. Along with cycle cleaning, the programs have helped reduce the number of grease related sanitary sewer overflows. For locations offering free containers, visit www.itseasytobeungreasy.com. 

For PDF versions click on the links below:

• Pretreatment Program Rules and Regulations
• Pretreatment Questionnaire for Industrial Users
• Food Service Grease Control Manual