The Grease Contractors Association

The FOG (fats, oils, and grease) problem is a global issue, with fatbergs clogging sewers worldwide. Britain, with its Victorian sewers and love of fast food, is particularly affected, costing utility companies £100 million annually.

This issue demands cooperation. Enter: the Grease Contractors Association (GCA).

The GCA is administered by British Water. The GCA is a not-for-profit alliance of specifiers, installers, and maintainers of grease management systems. It has been operating for nearly four years.

Membership is divided into two groups: GCA Certified Contractors and GCA Supporters.

Certified contractors are companies that specify, supply, install, and maintain grease management systems. They undergo certification by British Water’s Auditors and are evaluated twice yearly.

Supporter memberships are open to all other stakeholders, including contractors, suppliers, researchers, developers, educators, manufacturers, consultants, and business users of grease management products.

The GCA brings together specifiers, installers, and maintainers to collaborate and set standards for the grease management industry.

Its members aim to tackle the growing fatberg problem by taking the following course of action:

• Educating consumers and food producers on their role in FOG reduction techniques
• Setting best practices for food businesses
• Assisting in research and development of new products and services
• Influencing and advising on legislation and regulation

The GCA seeks to bring clarity, credibility, and transparency to the grease management industry.

The GCA is making progress in educating food businesses about the threats posed by FOGs. Its auditing system helps food business owners identify trustworthy partners for grease trap investment, installation, cleaning, and maintenance.

The GCA is bringing uniformity to a previously disorganised industry and is a growing force against fatbergs. However, there is still work to be done, and the association needs to grow. If you are a grease management contractor, join the conversation today.

There’s only one way to end the scourge of bergs in our sewers – we’ve got to work together.

Improper FOG management is a serious concern. With fatbergs having been reported previously that weigh around 400 tonnes, or the equivalent of four blue whales, water companies are understandably concerned, especially when repairing a damaged sewer can cost on average £400k and can take more than 2 months to clear.

While many businesses have effective FOG management practices and equipment, some lack them. Why?

Businesses have different views on grease management. They may be proactive, responding to water authority correspondence, or unaware of the issue. They often fall into these categories:

• Understanding the need for a grease trap but lacking knowledge on sizing, selection, and installation.
• Believing they don't need a grease trap due to existing practices.
• Unaware of the subject, legislation, and potential penalties.
• Committed to protecting sewer systems and the environment with proper grease management equipment.

Any business producing FOG should have a grease trap or other grease management solution, along with comprehensive practices.

The GCA's 2021 Grease Management Equipment Guide emphasises compliance. It details regulations, equipment options (manual passive grease traps, automatic grease traps, and bio-dosing systems like GreasePak), sizing, installation, cleaning, and maintenance.

The GCA educates food service businesses about the importance of proper grease management to prevent FOGs from entering sewers. It works with businesses and water authorities towards a cleaner future.

Water authorities work with non-compliant businesses to educate them before issuing fines. Repeated failure to act can result in penalties. The GCA guide helps businesses understand their responsibilities and how to comply.

The Grease Management Equipment Guide is essential for businesses, helping them invest in the right equipment for daily demands and peak periods.