Trade waste

Trade waste is any commercial or industrial liquid waste that flows into our wastewater (sewer) system.  It does not include stormwater or wastewater that goes into the sewer from domestic toilets, kitchens, bathrooms or laundries.

Any business that produces liquid waste larger than domestic quantities may need a trade waste consent.

What type of business may need a consent?

The types of businesses that may need a trade waste consent are: 

• food processors - meat, fish, vegetables, fruit
• metal finishers
• service stations
• restaurants, cafe, take-a-ways
• freezing works

For a full list of the types of businesses see the last page of the Trade Waste Bylaw

Why you may require a trade waste consent

Industries must assist us to comply with the conditions of our Coastal Discharge Permit (the council's authority to discharge both domestic and industrial wastewater into the ocean environment). This means wastewater must undergo pre-treatment to reduce the level of solids, oils and greases to comply with the permit. 

Read our Trade Waste Bylaw

Trade waste consent application

All premises discharging trade waste to the council's sewer system will require a trade waste consent. If you discharge trade waste without holding a consent or exceed your consent conditions you are breaching our Trade Waste Bylaw. If convicted, fines can reach up to $200,000.

Application to Discharge Waste

Application for Temporary Discharge of Liquid Wastes

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, we recommend you contact council's trade waste engineer to discuss your application.

Cost of a consent

Depending on the type of consent, costs can range from $75 up to $800 for larger industrial premises. Talk to our trade waste engineer.
Refer to council's fees and charges

Greasetraps tips

Do scrape all solids off plates before washing them.

Do service your greasetrap on a regular basis.

Do ensure your greasetrap is working efficiently and correctly.

Don't use large amounts of detergent when washing.

Don't tip oil and fats into your sink - these can solidify in the sewer lines causing blockages and overflows.

Did you know...

♦ 1.5m³ of waste is produced by trade waste consented businesses each year - of that 1.2m³ come from 18 of the city's biggest industries.

♦There are approximately 120 active trade waste consented businesses in the Gisborne district.

♦Trade waste customers produce approximately 300mg of solids in every litre of wastewater.

♦Domestic wastewater produces approximately 230mg of solids in every litre of wastewater.