> What is Trade Waste?
Trade Waste is any liquid waste discharged to sewer by any business.
It may contain solids, heavy metals, high concentrations of oils and grease and high organic loads.
As with all wastewater, trade waste makes its way to our wastewater treatment facilities via the sewer network.
The wastewater is eventually re-used or released back into the environment, provided it meets strict requirements.
Companies that discharge trade waste to our sewers require a Trade Waste Agreement or Consent.
To apply for a Trade Waste Agreement or Consent, complete our application form and return it to Coliban Water > Trade Waste Application Form (PDF 38KB)
> Why do we monitor Trade Waste?
We have developed a Trade Waste program to provide for the minimisation, treatment and disposal of waste.
We monitor what goes into the sewer system to ensure that the discharge of trade waste doesn't cause:
- blockages and spills
- disruption of sewage treatment processes
- damage to sewerage infrastructure
- health hazards to sewer workers
- the release of substances which would have a harmful effect on our environment
- additional impacts on the use of recycled water
For this reason, we have a set of criteria, called the Acceptance Criteria, which must be met before trade waste is discharged to the sewer.
To download a copy of our Trade Waste Acceptance Criteria > click here
Other conditions are also found in our By-Law No. 11 Trade Waste. To download a copy > click here
> Does my business require a Trade Waste Agreement?
Your business needs to have an agreement in place if you discharge or plan to discharge trade waste into the sewer system.
Trade Waste Agreements or Consents, the By-Law and the Acceptance Criteria cover the legal and regulatory requirements of both the customer and Coliban Water.
A Trade Waste Agreement or Consent can specify, among other things:
- The type of pre-treatment required
- How often the pre-treatment system needs to be cleaned
- The substances that are allowed to be discharged
- The amount of wastewater to be discharged
> Why do I need to install pre-treatment equipment?
The purpose of grease traps and other forms of pre-treatment equipment is to eliminate or minimise the amount of any substance at its source that can cause negative impacts such as blockages and damage to infrastructure.
The type of pre-treatment required will depend on the nature of your business and the volume of trade waste produced.
Our Trade Waste Officer can help advise whether or not your existing equipment needs to be updated, and which method of pre-treatment equipment would best suit your business.
You will need to ensure that any trade waste discharge does not exceed the limits set out under the Trade Waste By-Law No. 11 and our Acceptance Criteria.
> Who is responsible for maintaining the pre-treatment equipment?
Maintenance of grease traps and other pre-treatment equipment is the customer’s responsibility. Pre-treatment equipment must be cleaned out at regular intervals by a licenced liquid waste contractor approved by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
It is also necessary to maintain a log showing the maintenance and servicing of the equipment.
In most instances, your Trade Waste Agreement or Consent will specify how regularly your equipment will need to be cleaned.
If you are unsure, please call our Trade Waste Officer for assistance on 1300 363 200 or email coliban@coliban.com.au
> What if I fail to comply with the Trade Waste Agreement?
If a trade waste customer fails to comply with one or more of the conditions set out in their Trade Waste Agreement, we have the ability under the Water Act 1989 to issue a ‘notice to repair’ to the customer.
We will ask the customer to ensure that their trade waste discharges comply with the Trade Waste Agreement or Consent by a certain date.
If corrective action is not taken within the specified time, we have the right to terminate the customer’s Agreement or Consent, seal the point of connection and prevent the discharge of trade waste to the sewer.
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