What is Trade Waste?
Trade waste is any liquid, and any substances contained in it, produced by an industrial or commercial activity at a business premises. It may include any waste that is transported from the point of generation.
Only liquid waste that conforms to council's set limits will be accepted for discharge to sewer. These limits are imposed because waste from many businesses and industries may contain materials that are potentially harmful to sewerage workers, the sewerage system and the environment.
Trade waste must not be discharged into council's sewer, unless the owner of the premises from which trade waste is discharged has been granted a trade waste approval.
Download the Trade Waste Fact Sheet(PDF, 2MB) for more information.
How Do I Apply for a Trade Waste Approval?
To apply for an approval to discharge trade waste to the sewer:
- Complete an Application to Discharge Trade Waste to Sewer(PDF, 307KB) and have signed by the owner/authorised agent and the generator.
- Pay the trade waste application fee.
- Have copies of the as constructed hydraulic plumbing and drainage plans, Material Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals and raw products used and stored on the premises, and any other relevant information.
- Lodge the application through Online Services or at a Customer Service Centre.
Trade Waste Meters
Council now manages the installation and maintenance of trade waste meters to ensure the accurate measurement of trade waste discharge to sewer. These meters are fitted with an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) device which uses wireless technology to record water usage data, which is collected more frequently and more accurately without having to physically read the meter.
The collection of data on a near real-time basis improves the ability for council to identify any unusual activity such as water loss or reduction in water supply.
Tracking Your Trade Waste
If property owners and trade waste generators are also signed up to council’s myh2o.gov.au website, they have the ability to monitor their water consumption and trade waste through the online portal and receive monthly consumption reports.
It’s quick, easy, free and might just save you a bucket load!
Further Information
These documents are also available for download: