The State Public Services Commission of Tijuana (CESPT) has expanded its “Atrapa la Grasa” (Catch the Grease) initiative to include 9,000 commercial establishments across Tijuana and Playas de Rosarito. The program promotes responsible waste management to safeguard the region’s sanitary sewer network and prevent food scraps, fats, and cooking oils from clogging municipal drainage lines and causing sewage spills.
So far in 2026, 922 new businesses have enrolled in the initiative, which focuses primarily on restaurants and commercial kitchens where high volumes of fats and oils are generated daily.
CESPT General Director Mónica Vega Aguirre explained that the waste can clog up pipes, reduce overall capacity, and cause obstruction that leads to overflow that ends up in the streets.
“What gets washed down a kitchen sink can quickly turn into a major problem for an entire neighborhood. That’s why businesses must install proper grease retention systems before waste reaches the sewer lines. It’s a shared responsibility that directly benefits the entire community,” she said.
Under the program, participating businesses install grease traps, specialized devices designed to intercept and retain oils and solid waste before wastewater enters the municipal sewer line. These units allow for safe collection, routine maintenance, and proper off-site disposal.
José Manuel Ruiz, from Tohoku Japanese, noted that three years in the program have allowed them to reduce waste unloaded on the sanitary system and preventing obstruction in their own facilities.
“We’re doing our part for the environment by keeping excess waste out of the municipal system and it protects our own building’s plumbing from blockages,” he said.
Meanwhile, Asian Bowl representative André Manuel Flores Gutiérrez shared that joining the program allowed them improve cleaning processes and control teh amount of waste used to make food.
“Enrolling helped us elevate our kitchen hygiene protocols,” he said. “The grease traps capture a substantial amount of waste, making a real difference for our surrounding environment.”
Karla Liliana Mendívil Arroyo, from El Murmullo, highlighted how the equipment simplifies ongoing facility upkeep.
“We aren’t just protecting the city’s sewer grid, we’re keeping our own kitchen, drainage grates, and facilities completely grease-free,” she said.
Businesses interested in joining the “Atrapa la Grasa” program can review eligibility requirements and application guidelines directly at cespt.gob.mx/tramitescespt/aguasresiduales.aspx.
