If one or more interior grease interceptors are provided, wastes from a food waste grinder or sanitizing compartment of a sink or a rinse compartment of a sink may bypass the interceptor(s).

• A. Never bypass
• B. Only during maintenance
• C. May bypass if interceptors are provided
• D. Must bypass

Answer: (C)

The main idea is why certain kitchen waste streams are allowed to bypass grease interceptors. Grease interceptors are designed to trap fats, oils, and grease before wastewater enters the sewer, protecting the system from clogs and buildup. But not every waste comes with grease to be removed. Wastes from a food waste grinder (garbage disposal) and the sanitizing or rinse water from sinks can contain solids or chemicals that don’t benefit from, and can even interfere with, grease separation. Solids can overwhelm the interceptor, and strong sanitizing cleaners can affect its operation or lead to issues downstream.

Because interceptors are installed to handle the greasy portion of the flow, it’s permissible for those specific waste streams to bypass the interceptor(s) when such interceptors are present. This arrangement helps keep the interceptor functioning effectively for the FOG-heavy waste from other fixtures, while still directing the grinder and sanitizing rinse wastes through a more suitable path. The key point is that bypass is allowed, not required, and only in systems where interior interceptors are installed.

That’s why the correct understanding is that bypass may occur for those wastes when interceptors exist, rather than being prohibited or mandated in all cases.