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.
Trade premises that may need a trade waste consent
- Food processors - meat, fish, vegetables, fruit
- Hospitals
- Dentists
- Metal finishers
- Service stations
- Restaurants, Café, Bakeries
- Freezing works
For a full list of discharges producing trade waste, refer to the Trade Waste Bylaw.
Why a trade waste consent is needed
The trade waste bylaw applies to all trade waste discharged from trade premises into Council's wastewater system. The bylaw is to:
- protect people and the environment from potential adverse effects of harmful substances discharged to the public wastewater system
- protect the public wastewater system from damage and provide for its efficient operation
- assist treatment plants within the public wastewater system to process wastewater and produce biosolids of a guaranteed quality
- encourage waste minimisation, cleaner production, efficient recycling and reuse of waste streams at business premises.
Application form
All premises discharging trade waste to 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're breaching our Trade Waste Bylaw. If convicted, fines can reach up to $200,000.
Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, talk to our trade waste engineer to discuss your application.
Grease trap tips
- Do scrape all solids off plates before washing them.
- Do service your grease trap on a regular basis.
- Do ensure your grease trap 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.