Liquid Waste Hauling FAQ's

Yes and no. If you collect “yellow” kitchen grease from bins and barrels not connected to sewer, then no. However, if you collect “inedible kitchen grease” (IKG) from grease interceptors and traps connected to sewer then registration is required as a component of our F.O.G. (fats, oils, and grease) program. Regardless, of the type of grease you collect, a current hauler/renderer permit form the California Department of Food and Agriculture is required and can be obtained by visiting their website: California Department of Food & Agriculture.

You must obtain a separate disposal permit from the Orange County Sanitation District.

Registration is simple and requires you to complete an Application for Liquid Waste Hauler, have your vehicle(s) inspected by this Agency, and pay the current registration fee in effect. Once registered, a decal will be issued and your company can be added to our Registered Liquid Waste Hauler Listing as an option. Click here for an application.

Hazardous liquid waste is a class of waste that can have toxic or explosive qualities that requires special licensing and disposal procedures. In contrast, nonhazardous liquid waste is biodegradable waste that requires proper disposal and caution when handling, but carries less regulatory oversight.

Registration is required if you commercially collect or dispose of waste from any of the following facilities: 

• Septic tanks, cesspools, temporary sewage holding tanks, and all related facilities.
• Sewage transfer stations.
• Portable chemical toilets and trailers.
• RV and boat holding tanks.
• Grease interceptors and grease traps connected to sewer.
• Sewer pipelines and related facilities.
• Clarifiers connected to sewer.

Unless under special permit for grease recycling or rendering, the only commercial disposal site for nonhazardous liquid waste in the County of Orange is at the Orange County Sanitation District’s Treatment Plant #1 located in Fountain Valley.

Anyone who operates a commercial business that collects or disposes of nonhazardous liquid waste within the County of Orange must register with this Agency. The only exemption allowed is for government agencies, such as sewer agencies, or for private parties that have a dump location approved by this Agency.

Discharges to the sewer must be carefully monitored to protect treatment plant operations and sewer infrastructure from deterioration caused by chemically imbalanced loads. In addition, you could be held liable for an unauthorized discharge which causes a sanitary sewer overflow to the environment or jeopardizes the safety of sewer workers that may be working downstream of a manhole you’re offloading to.

Nonhazardous liquid waste, such as human excreta, can create a public health hazard and nuisance when improperly handled or disposed. Registration provides this Agency with the necessary means to protect public health and the environment from improper handling and illegal discharges.