Frequently Asked Questions

Southwaste Disposal is a commercial liquid waste management company headquartered in Houston, Texas, with 15 regional hubs with service coverage for 12 states. We specialize in grease trap services, grit trap services, commercial plumbing, hydro jetting, lift station maintenance, septic services, lint interceptor services, vacuum truck services, and liquid waste recycling. Founded on the principle of “Saving Water, Protecting the Environment,” we are fully permitted by TCEQ, Florida DEP, CalEPA, Georgia EPD, Illinois EPA, Louisiana DEQ, and other state regulatory agencies. We hold a Master Plumber License M-43508 and are one of the few companies that can handle both pumping AND plumbing repair under one roof.

We operate 15 regional hubs in 6 states: Texas (Houston HQ, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth), Florida (Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa Bay), California (San Diego, Santa Ana), Illinois (Chicago), Georgia (Smyrna), and Louisiana (Lafayette). Each hub has its own local team, vacuum truck fleet, and dedicated dispatcher — no subcontractors, no call centers routing you to someone in another state. We know the local regulations, inspectors, and logistics in every market we serve.

A few things. First, we handle everything — pumping, plumbing repair, hydro jetting, lift station work, and recycling — so you deal with one company instead of juggling three vendors. Second, we’re fully permitted and licensed across every state we operate in, with Master Plumber M-43508 on staff for repairs and installations. Third, we actually recycle what we collect — 275+ million gallons processed in 2025 alone, all converted into beneficial-use products. Fourth, our 15-hub model means local response times, not a single centralized facility trying to cover two states. And fifth, we’ve been doing this for over 70 years — we know the regulations, the inspectors, and the right way to do the job.

You can request service through our online form or call us at (866) 413-9494, or email Info@Southwaste.com. Our team typically responds same-day during business hours. For new customers, we’ll ask about your facility type, number, and size of grease traps or interceptors, current service frequency (if any), and any specific compliance requirements. From there, we can provide a quote and build a service schedule that fits your operation. No obligation, no pushy sales — just a straight forward assessment

We serve any commercial facility that generates liquid waste requiring proper management. Our primary industries include: restaurants and fine dining, fast casual and quick service restaurants, hotels and resorts, hospitals and healthcare facilities, universities and school districts, grocery stores and food courts, car washes and automotive services, food and beverage processing plants, airports and transportation hubs, stadiums and entertainment venues, commercial laundromats, and military base dining facilities. If your business has a grease trap, grit trap, septic system, or commercial plumbing need, we can help.

Southwaste is fully permitted by TCEQ, Florida DEP, CalEPA, Georgia EPD, Illinois EPA, and Louisiana DEQ to haul, process, and dispose of liquid waste.We hold Master Plumber License M-43508. Our technicians are OSHA-certified, and many hold additional security clearances for access to military bases, airports, and theme parks. We carry full general liability and workers’ compensation insurance — certificates available upon request for vendor onboarding.

The 25% rule is the most important number in grease trap compliance. It states that fats, oils, and grease (FOG) plus solids accumulation must never exceed 25% of your grease trap’s total liquid capacity. This is the universal standard enforced by municipalities nationwide. When FOG exceeds 25%, the trap can no longer effectively separate grease from wastewater — meaning grease flows into the sewer system, causing clogs, backups, and environmental damage. Exceeding 25% is the most common reason kitchens fail health inspections. Southwaste tracks your accumulation rate and schedules service before you hit the threshold — proactive, not reactive.

Most jurisdictions require you to maintain 3 years of grease trap maintenance records available on-site for inspector review. Southwaste provides digital service reports with every visit that include: service date and time, volume of FOG removed (in gallons), before-and-after photos of the trap interior, a disposal manifest showing the receiving facility, and an inspector-ready compliance summary formatted for your local health department. We can also integrate with your existing compliance management software if you operate multiple locations.

Every gallon of liquid waste we collect is transported to our processing facilities, where it undergoes treatment and conversion into beneficial-use products. Grease trap waste is dewatered, filtered, and processed for use in biofuel production, composting, and industrial applications. Grit trap waste is separated and the components are recycled or properly disposed of. Septic waste undergoes biological treatment. Nothing goes to landfill. In 2025, Southwaste recycled over 275 million gallons of liquid waste — keeping it out of sewer systems, watersheds, and the environment.

Most emergency calls receive a truck on-site within 2 hours. Our 8-hub model is specifically designed for rapid response — trucks are stationed in each metro area, not dispatched from a single central facility. Our 24/7 dispatch center is staffed by real people (not an answering service) who can route the nearest available truck to your location immediately. In major metros like Houston, Dallas, and Orlando, the typical response time is under 90 minutes.

A grease trap emergency is any situation where your kitchen’s operations are impacted: overflowing grease trap causing standing water or odor, sewer backup into your kitchen or dining area, complete blockage preventing drainage, failed health inspection requiring immediate pump-out to reopen, or any FOG-related issue that threatens to shut down your kitchen. If you’re not sure whether it’s an emergency, call us — we’ll help you assess over the phone and dispatch if needed. Better to call and not need emergency service than to wait and have a small problem become a big one.

First, stop sending water down the drains in affected areas — this prevents more waste from entering an already-overflowing trap. Second, call us immediately at (866) 413-9494. Our 24/7 dispatch will route the nearest truck to your location. Third, if possible, cordon off the affected area to prevent slips and contamination. Our technician will assess the situation on arrival, pump the trap to restore function, and identify what caused the overflow so it doesn’t happen again. Most overflow emergencies are resolved within 2-3 hours from the time you call.