PEMBROKE — Food service establishments in Pembroke will have to adhere to stricter guidelines when disposing of used grease and oil after the Town Council approved a new ordinance on Monday.

The new Fats, Oils and Grease Control Ordinance, required by the state Environmental Protection Agency, will ultimately help prevent sewer spill-overs by keeping the grease and solids that build up and clog sewer lines out of the system, said Rhonda Locklear with the town’s Public Works Department.

“I think this will immensely help our sewer waste treatment plant,” Mayor Milton Hunt said after discussion.

An ordinance passed in August 2008 was rescinded to adopt the new regulations, which include more definitions for business owners and a $100 annual fee paid by businesses to pay for Public Works’ grease tests and education materials.

The regulations require all food establishments connected to the Pembroke sewer system to have grease traps that separate oil, water and solid waste so that uncontaminated water can re-enter the sewer system. Those businesses will be required to empty the grease traps every 30 days, and fax Public Works a receipt from the hauler that empties the container to demonstrate they are in compliance.

Locklear said many food services establishments are waiting as long as 90 days to empty their grease traps, causing waste to seep into the sewer system. If those establishments violate the new ordinance, they can be fined up to $1,000 per day.

Locklear said 41 businesses will be affected, and all new businesses will be required to adhere to the regulations.

Council members readily adopted the new ordinance after Locklear explained the consequences for failing to enforce the regulations: The state would fine the town the cost of enforcing the ordinance plus a 20 percent increase.

“It’s your sewer system, so they hold you responsible,” Locklear said.

Also on Tuesday, Cecily Porter Maynor, president of Pembroke Waste Collections, told council members that a large, six-container bin would be stationed at the Pembroke Fire Department beginning next week for people to recycle plastic, glass, aluminum and cardboard.

For the past decade the town has had Wednesday curbside pick-up for recycling, where residents put aluminum, plastics, cardboard, glass and mixed paper in a bin provided by the town.

“A lot of people weren’t aware we had a recycling program,” Maynor said. “We haven’t had a whole lot of participation, but in the past two months (following a state ban of plastic bottles in landfills), we’ve had a 20 percent, 30 percent increase.”

Residents may call Town Hall to request a recycling bin for their household. There is no charge.

Also on Tuesday, the council:

— Closed out a Community Development Block Grant for Porter Scientific, which used $140,000 from the state Department of Commerce to upgrade a lift station, enabling the creation of 18 jobs.

— Announced its intent to apply for another CDBG grant to lay sewer line from Purnell Swett to a new Caring Touch building. The project will upgrade another lift station.

— Tabled for a second time Wilena Revels Chavis’ request for a conditional-use permit to open a day care center. Chavis wants to care for children in four-hour shifts, which doesn’t require state regulation, much like before- and after-school programs. Responding to concerns about not being state regulated, Councilman Larry Brooks said that was between Chavis and her clients. Councilman Larry McNeill questioned the business’ location in a residential area.

— Heard an update on the town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan from Landin Holland of Holland Consulting Planners. Holland said Pembroke’s plan addresses a few areas susceptible to flooding, and otherwise covers procedures for tornados, electrical storms, and other town-wide risks. The plan should be ready to submit to the state by the end of the month.

— Set a public hearing for Feb. 1 for the town’s Water Shortage Response Plan Ordinance, which is required by state law.