What are your pre-treatment requirements?
Most commercial and industrial businesses require pre-treatment before their wastewater can enter the sewerage system.
Managing trade waste
What is trade waste?
Trade waste is all non-human liquid waste generated on commercial properties that’s discharged to our sewerage system. It includes liquid waste such as grease, oils and chemicals.
If you own a business that generates trade waste you will need some form of pre-treatment and a trade waste permit. See below for more information.
Apply for a trade waste permit
Apply for a trade waste permit
Your application and deed outline the terms and conditions trade wastewater discharge will be accepted.
Have you purchased a new business?
If you have purchased a new business that you think may generate trade waste, we recommend purchasing a Trade Waste Search which will inform you of any existing trade waste activity on a property.
Why do we manage trade waste?
Trade waste from businesses can:
- Create hazardous gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane which is a safety hazard for those working in and around the sewerage system.
- Damage sewerage infrastructure as hydrogen sulfide is corrosive.
- Cause blockages and 'fatbergs' in the sewerage network from the oils, grease and solids.
- Upset the treatment process and damage pumps.
- Pollute the environment and waterways if untreated.
- Impact downstream recycling of water and reuse of biosolids.
Frequently asked questions
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Who is responsible for the trade wastewater discharge to sewer from a property?
Both the property owner and the occupier are responsible. The Trade Wastewater Agreement is issued to the property owner; however both the property owner and occupier have a responsibility for the quality of wastewater, along with the installation, operation and maintenance of trade wastewater pre-treatment facilities.
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When do I have to contact us regarding trade waste?
We need to be contacted prior to trade waste infrastructure installation/trade wastewater discharge to sewer, to confirm mandatory requirements. These may include requirements related to the following:
- Trade Wastewater Agreement
- Pre-treatment facilities
- Wastewater quality
- Discharge approval
- Allowed times of discharge
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How do I know if my property or business is considered a trade wastewater discharger?
Trade waste is broadly defined as wastewater other than residential/domestic wastewater.
We hold Trade Wastewater Agreements with customers who have been identified as posing a risk to the sewerage system from such discharge. For a listing of typical trade waste discharge generators, refer to our Trade Wastewater Standard. Alternatively, contact our Trade Waste Section for advice on 1300 657 657.
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What should I do if I don't know when my business will start trading or discharging trade waste?
Nominate a date on the trade wastewater application close to when you feel you will be ready to start trading. We will use this date to promote contact with you to confirm the actual commencement date of your approval.
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How do I pay for the fees and charges associated with the trade wastewater agreement?
The fees and charges for the Trade Wastewater Agreement will be included in the account holder's next bill.
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Do I require an inspection of my property before a trade wastewater agreement is issued?
Yes, all trade wastewater applications need an onsite inspection to confirm the appropriate pre-treatment facilities are in place. This will happen shortly before you've started trading.
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What pre-treatment facility do I need for my operations?
Wastewater discharges from premises vary, and as such, may require different pre-treatment facilities to meet allowed wastewater discharge to sewer characteristics. These pre-treatment facilities may include grease arrestors, oil separators, cooling pits, lint traps and dilution pits.
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What obligations does a property owner and/or occupier have in regard to a trade wastewater pre-treatment facility?
Both the property owner and occupier are required to ensure the pre-treatment facility is maintained in a compliant operational condition. This includes, but it not limited to, scheduled clean out of the facility by an accredited contractor, ensuring the integrity of the facility and related infrastructure to prevent environmental contamination, and ensuring safe access for inspection and maintenance.
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What records are required to be kept on-site?
Current maintenance and clean-out records are to be kept on-site for access by our trade waste compliance officers to confirm compliant operation, maintenance and clean-out frequency of pre-treatment facilities.
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What is required if the trade wastewater discharge becomes redundant on a site?
We require the owner/occupier to formally inform them of the termination of operations on-site, and after an onsite inspection by us to confirm this, the Trade Wastewater Agreement can be cancelled. The owner/occupier must ensure the existing pre-treatment facilities are cleaned out by an accredited contractor to ensure health standards.