A grease trap (also known as grease interceptor, grease recovery device, grease capsule and grease converter) is a plumbing device (a type of trap) designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. Common wastewater contains small amounts of oils which enter into septic tanks and treatment facilities to form a floating scum layer. This scum layer is very slowly digested and broken down by microorganisms in the anaerobic digestion process. Large amounts of oil from food preparation in restaurants can overwhelm a septic tank or treatment facility, causing the release of untreated sewage into the environment. High-viscosity fats and cooking grease such as lard solidify when cooled, and can combine with other disposed solids to block drain pipes.

Grease traps have been used since Victorian days: Nathaniel Whiting obtained the first patent in the late 1800s. The traps reduce the amount of fats, oils, greases, and solids (FOGS) that enter sewers. They consist of boxes within the drain run that flows between the sinks in a kitchen and the sewer system. They have only kitchen waste water flowing through them and do not serve any other drainage system, such as toilets. They can be made from various materials, such as stainless steel, plastics, concrete and cast iron. They range from 35-liter capacity to 45,000 liters and greater. They can be located above ground, below ground, inside the kitchen, or outside the building.