Restaurants in Hamilton must equip their kitchens with grease traps come January 1, according to the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

The clogging of sewerage systems by grease deposits has been a long-standing annoyance for City workers, and can contribute to the formation of “grease balls” that wash onto beaches from offshore outflow pipes.

Head of the Chamber’s restaurant division Philip Barnett confirmed that City officials had met with businesses. “We had a good open conversation in regards to resolving the problem,” he said.

His own business already uses grease traps and enzymes that break down the fats which would otherwise solidify in the waste pipes, Mr Barnett said.

“Perhaps some people haven’t been maintaining them properly, or that some people are pouring oil down the drains.”

The City’s policy on mandatory degreasers in all kitchens will be overseen by the Health Department, commencing in the New Year.

According to a Chamber spokeswoman, the Department “will be carrying out the requisite inspections and penalties will apply if grease traps are not in place and functional”.