Wastewater

Wastewater Resources

Sewer Savvy

The Sewer Savvy part of the program is aimed at educating residential customers on things that should never go down the sewer from their homes and commercial customers on things they should never put down the drain from their place of business. 

As far as toilets go, three is a magic number. The only three things that really should ever be flushed down the toilet are urine, fecal matter, and toilet paper.

Items you should NOT flush or pour down the drain:

  • “Flushable” wipes.  These fibrous wipes plug up pumps and create huge fibrous masses in lift stations that can lead to overflows and environmental impact which can cost tax-payers tens of thousands of dollars each year.
  • Kleenex, paper towels, and tissue paper. They may seem like they’re in the same family as toilet paper, but they take a lot longer to break down in the sewer system and cause sewage blockages.
  • Unused drugs or pharmaceuticals
  • Tampons and Sanitary Napkins
  • Disposable Diapers
  • Fats and Oils
  • Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides or herbicides
  • Automotive chemicals
  • Paint

For more information about what you should/shouldn't flush or pour down the drain, visit the Down the Drain Guide

Learn more about disposing of household hazardous waste in Hays County.

To maintain a safe and clean environment and prevent damage to the city's sewer system, the new Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) regulations will be enforced starting 1/21/2025.

What You Need to Know:

  • Best management practices
    1. Installation of drain screens in sinks and on floors.
    2.  Disposal of food waste. All food waste shall be removed from plates, pots, and pans directly into the trash, recycling, or compost bin and not into sinks or drains prior to rinsing. The food waste shall be disposed of in a manner that will ensure against leakage in storage of trash containers or anywhere else. The use of food waste disposal units, or garbage grinders, is discouraged.
    3. Dry-wiping pots, pans, dishware, and work areas before washing to remove FOG.
    4. Properly disposing of grease or oils from cooking equipment into a proper grease receptacle without spilling.
  • Routine Maintenance & Cleaning
    Grease traps must be fully evacuated every 90 days per City Ordinance.
  • Recordkeeping
    Keep accurate records of grease trap maintenance and cleaning of up to three (3) years on site.
  • Fines for Non-Compliance
    Failure to comply with the new FOG regulations could result in significant fines.

For More Information or Assistance:

Contact the Pretreatment Coordinator, Devon Sizemore at: (512) 738-7189 or email at: dsizemore@cityofkyle.com

Stay in compliance, avoid penalties, and protect the environment!

SCOPE 

On January 21st, 2025, the City of Kyle adopted the Fats, Oils, and Grease Regulations Ordinance to help prevent sanitary sewer blockages and obstructions caused by the buildup of fats, oils, and grease in the sewer system. This grant program is designed to assist pre-existing locally owned food service establishments in achieving compliance with the ordinance.

The City of Kyle Water Utilities Department has established a Grease Interceptor Grant Program to provide financial support to existing food service establishments within Kyle city limits for installing grease interceptors. This program aims to safeguard the city's infrastructure while acknowledging the financial challenges a small food service business may encounter due to the newly adopted ordinance.

The program may reimburse a food service establishment up to 50% of the costs associated with the purchase and installation of the grease interceptor, with a maximum reimbursement of $5,000. Grants are awarded on a first come first serve basis.

DEFINITIONS

  • Food Service Establishment: Any commercial, institutional, or food processing facility that generates and discharges kitchen or food preparation wastewater.
  • Locally Owned Business: A pre-existing food service establishment operating prior to the adoption of the Fats, Oils, and Grease Ordinance.
  • Interceptor: A device designed to collect, contain, or remove food waste, fats, oils, or grease from a waste stream before it enters the publicly owned treatment system.

GRANT REQUEST PROCEDURES

If a food service establishment has been notified by the Water Utilities Department that they do not meet the code of ordinance, they may apply for the Grease Interceptor Grant by following the steps below.

Step 1: Application Submission

  • The food service establishment should, prior to any work being done, complete and submit the attached Grease Interceptor Grant Program application to the Water Utilities Department, via email at dsizemore@cityofkyle.com or in person to Kyle Public Works, Attention: Devon Sizemore, 520 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Kyle, TX 78640
  • The Water Utilities Department will review the application and respond within 10 business days. The Water Utilities Department has the authority to review and award a grant if the applicant meets all the criteria.  If the application is approved, proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Permits and Installation

  • The food service establishment must hire a licensed and registered plumber who will apply for the necessary permits through the City of Kyle Building Department CSS Portal.
  •  Once the plumber has installed a code-compliant grease interceptor of the appropriate size, the plumber should schedule an inspection with the City of Kyle Building Department through the CSS Portal.
  • The food service establishment has 60 days from date of approval of grant to complete the work and submit it for reimbursement. 

Step 3: Reimbursement Request

  • Submit a reimbursement request to the Water Utilities Department, via email at dsizemore@cityofkyle.com or in person to Kyle Public Works, Attention: Devon Sizemore. 520 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Kyle, TX 78640, including:
  • A copy of the invoice paid for the cost to purchase and install the interceptor.
  • A copy of the cost of permits and proof of a passed inspection.

Step 4: Issuance of Reimbursement

  • The Water Utilities Department will review the reimbursement request for compliance.
  • Once approved, a reimbursement check will be issued by the Finance Department within 30 days.

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