Wastewater treatment is an essential aspect of running a pub in the UK. Not only is it a legal requirement to properly treat and dispose of wastewater, but it is also crucial for protecting the environment and maintaining the health and safety of staff and customers.
As with all hospitality businesses, a pub faces a range of wastewater issues, but one of the biggest ones is the issue of fats, oils and greases, more commonly known as FOGs.
A byproduct of cooking meals like meat, dairy products, and vegetables is the inevitable fats that go with them. When the fat is hot, it can readily flow into sinks and drains. However, when it cools, it solidifies, blocking and damaging sewer lines and interfering with the wastewater treatment process.
In this blog post, we will discuss the various ways in which wastewater can be treated, including FOGs, in UK pubs and the steps you can take to ensure proper hygiene and maintenance of the establishment.
1. Install grease traps
Grease traps are devices that capture grease and oil from kitchen waste before it enters the sewer system. They work by slowing down the flow of water and allowing grease to separate and rise to the top, where it can be removed and disposed of properly.
This option can help reduce the likelihood of fatberg formation, which occurs when grease and oil combine with other materials, such as wet wipes and sanitary products, to form large clumps that can block the sewer system.
However, grease traps must be adequately sized for their wastewater volume. They require regular cleaning and maintenance to function correctly; otherwise, they can become clogged and fail. Over time, grease traps can also become corroded and worn, leading to failure.
2. Properly disposing of waste
It would be best to dispose of food scraps and other waste to avoid clogging the sewer system. This links to point 3 below and requires a process in place to enable food waste and excess fats and grease to be removed as far as possible from plates and cooking equipment before washing. Fats should never be poured down the sink and appropriate storage must be provided to enable proper disposal.
You can also consider composting food waste on-site, which can help reduce the amount of waste that enters the sewer system.
3. Training staff
Your staff should be trained to dispose of grease and oil properly and avoid disposing of non-biodegradable materials, such as wipes and sanitary products, down the toilet. Make sure there are clear signs for your clients too and provide appropriate bins. Hire a cleaning help every day to keep your pub spic n’ span. This can help reduce the likelihood of blockages in the sewer system and ensure that the pub complies with local regulations.
4. Using eco-friendly cleaning products
Your pub should use biodegradable cleaning products that do not contain harsh chemicals that can damage the sewer system. These products are often made from natural ingredients and are less likely to harm the environment or contribute to forming fatbergs.
5. Regularly maintaining the place
You should regularly maintain your establishment’s plumbing, kitchen, and bar area to ensure they function properly and prevent blockages. This can include periodic cleaning of the kitchen sink, Bratt pans, and other equipment used, along with inspecting and repairing pipes and other plumbing components.
Use appropriate products to ensure your waste pipes are kept clean such as BiOWiSH® Aqua FOG, which permanently breaks down the FOGs accumulating in the pipes rather than just moving the problem further down the line – which is a much more effective option than fatbergs.
6. Implementing a recycling program
Encourage recycling by providing separate bins for recycling and composting, and educate customers to dispose of their waste properly. This can reduce the amount of waste entering the sewer system and promote environmentally friendly practices among customers.
7. Partnering with local authorities
Encourage recycling by providing separate bins for recycling and composting, and educate customers to dispose of their waste properly. This can reduce the amount of waste entering the sewer system and promote environmentally friendly practices among customers.
Always maintain hygiene; use clean equipment
Another vital aspect of wastewater treatment in UK pubs is regularly maintaining and cleaning the equipment and systems used for wastewater treatment. This includes regularly cleaning the kitchen area, and ensuring that filters and other equipment are not clogged or damaged. Besides, keep detailed records of all maintenance and cleaning activities as this can help to identify and address any issues that arise.
Over to you
In summary, treating and disposing of wastewater is critical for UK pubs. By understanding the different types of wastewater that are generated, determining the best methods for treating each type, properly disposing of the treated wastewater, regularly maintaining and cleaning the equipment and systems used for treatment, and staying up-to-date with the laws and regulations related to wastewater treatment, you can ensure wastewater is appropriately managed and that the environment and health and safety of staff and customers are protected.
