Trade waste
Westernport Water has engaged a private contractor to collect and dispose of minor commercial greasy trade waste. If you require trade waste services contact us on 1300 720 711.
The Water Act (1989) requires any business discharging trade waste to a sewer to have a properly completed and signed trade waste agreement with Westernport Water. The agreement outlines the conditions under which Westernport Water will consent to the discharge of trade waste to its sewerage reticulation systems.
Completed applications received by Westernport Water will be individually considered by a Westernport Water representative.
The trade waste agreement states the terms and conditions under which a business can discharge waste into the sewerage system. Compliance with the conditions of the consent will be monitored. For example, businesses will be required to regularly pump grease and oil from their interceptors and remove the waste material from site.
The owner or managing agent of a business generating trade wastewater has a legal obligation to ensure the business obtains permission to discharge trade wastewater to a sewer. If your business does not comply with the guidelines set out in the trade waste application for consent agreement then the sewer connection for your business could be disconnected and you could be held liable for damages and maintenance repairs.
What is trade waste?
Wastewater received by Westernport Water includes wastewater from commercial and manufacturing processes. Trade waste is the liquid waste generated by an industry, business, trade or manufacturing process, other than domestic waste, which is acceptable for discharge to a sewer. Two common types of trade waste are ‘greasy waste’ and ‘oily waste’. Greasy waste contains fats and grease. It mainly originates from the washing procedure during the preparation of food. Oily waste originates from motor industry processes such as washing engines, washing cars, service stations, etc.
Disposal of waste
Ensuring regular cleaning and removal of accumulated grease and oil from your interceptor is your responsibility and must be carried out by an Environment Protection Authority (EPA) licensed transporter. Your trade waste agreement will specify the required frequency that business owners are required to have pre-treatment apparatus cleaned out.
Westernport Water can help businesses to organise the services of an EPA licensed contractor. Owners can organise their own grease/oil interceptor traps clean-out and provide evidence to Westernport Water of regular pump-outs.
ESC Statement of Approved Acceptance Criteria for Trade Waste Discharge
In accordance with the ESC Trade Waste Customer Service Code, Westernport Water is required to follow set parameters that limit the concentration of waste allowed for discharge into the sewerage system. The following tables list the three wastewater treatment plants in the area (Cowes, King Road, Kilcunda/Dalyston) and the maximum allowed concentration of waste for each. Please note that any trade waste discharge will require an application for a trade waste agreement.
ESC Statement of Approved Acceptance Criteria for Trade Waste Discharge (102 KB)
Grease/oil interceptors (traps)
The purpose of a grease or oil interceptor is to trap grease and oil at the source and prevent it entering the sewerage system where it may cause blockages. Depending on the type of business, other types of pre-treatment may also be required. Westernport Water can assist businesses to determine what sort of pre-treatment is required or whether an existing trap needs to be upgraded. A registered plumber will need to be engaged to carry out works such as this.
Cleaner production and waste minimisation
The EPA provides the following waste hierarchy which Westernport Water fully supports (in order of preference):
- avoidance
- reuse
- recycling
- recovery of energy
- treatment
- containment
- disposal.
In some cases Westernport Water will require businesses to prepare waste management plans. These plans will need to focus on the sources of wastes, waste minimisation and treatment of trade waste.
Here are some tips to consider in your daily business activities which will help to reduce greasy waste, protect the environment and save you money:
- wipe before washing
- pour used oil into containers for recycling
- use less cooking oil where you can
- collect food scraps for composting
- use less detergent
- sweep floors before washing or hosing
- ensure that NO OIL goes down the drain.
Typical food preparation premises
Westernport Water generally considers the types of businesses listed below as trade waste customers:
- agribusiness
- bakeries
- butchers
- cafeterias/canteens
- chemical plants
- clubs with food preparation
- coffee and sandwich shops
- delicatessen
- doughnut shops
- dry cleaners
- electroplaters
- food production premises
- function centres (commercial and private)
- halls with food preparation
- hospitals
- hostels
- hotels/motels with food preparation
- ice-cream parlours
- laboratories (schools and commercial)
- laundromats
- livestock saleyards
- mechanical workshops
- medical
- nursing homes
- panel beating/spray painting
- petrol depots
- photo laboratory/chemical
- premises with garbage wash areas
- public swimming pools
- reception centres
- restaurants/cafes
- service stations
- tanneries/wool scourers
- takeaway food premises
- treated timber products
- vehicle detailers
- vehicle retail outlets
- vehicle wash centres.
Business owners who recognise their business as being one of those listed above are required to apply for consent to discharge commercial trade waste by completing the greasy trade waste application pdf form (102 KB).