| What is Trade Waste? |
Trade waste is any liquid waste discharged to sewer by any business. It is generated by businesses such as food processors, laundries, restaurants, fast food outlets, dry-cleaners, vehicle washing services, metal finishers, textile companies, to name a few. 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 Coliban Water’s wastewater treatment facilities via a network of underground sewer pipes.
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Following a complex treatment process, the wastewater is eventually re-used or released back into the environment, provided it meets strict Environment Protection Authority licence requirements.
Most Companies that discharge Trade Waste to Coliban Water’s sewers require a Trade Waste Agreement.
To download a copy of:
Coliban Region Water Corporation By-Law No. 11 Trade Waste
> click here
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| Why does Coliban Water monitor Trade Waste? |
Coliban Water has developed a Trade Waste program to provide for the minimisation, treatment and disposal of waste.
The program is based on Coliban Water’s Trade Waste Policy and By-Law No. 5 which includes a Schedule of Standards. The Schedule defines acceptable chemical concentrations for discharges into the sewage system.
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Coliban Water monitors what goes into the sewer system to ensure that the discharge of trade waste doesn’t cause:
- sewer blockages and spills
- disruption of sewage treatment processes
- damage to sewerage infrastructur
- 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
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Does my business require a Trade Waste Agreement?
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Your business needs to have an agreement in place if you discharge trade waste or plan to discharge trade waste into the sewer system.
Accommodation venues, restaurants, take away food outlets, bakeries, food manufacturers, commercial laundries, mechanical workshops, schools, factories, and shopping centres commonly require Trade Waste Agreements.
Trade Waste Agreements cover the legal and regulatory requirements of both the customer and Coliban Water. A Trade Waste Agreement can specify:
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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 wastewaster to be discharged
If you are not sure whether your new or existing business requires a Trade Waste Agreement, Coliban Water’s Trade Waste Officer is available to help you on 1300 363 200. |
| 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 you need will depend on the nature of your business and the volume of trade waste produced. Coliban Water’s 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.
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You will need to ensure that any trade waste discharge does not exceed the limits set out under Coliban Water’s Trade Waste By-law (refer to Appendix A).
The manufacturer will supply installation instructions with the equipment. You may want to speak to a licenced plumber or the Plumbing Industry Commission for further information about associated plumbing regulations on (03) 9889 2211. Written approval from Coliban Water is required before pre-treatment equipment is installed to ensure that it complies with the relevant plumbing codes and trade waste requirements. |
| How do I apply for a trade waste agreement? |
To receive a copy of the necessary application forms contact our Trade Waste Officer on 1300 363 200 |
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| 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).
Coliban Water can provide you with a list of contractors who have a permit to transport trade waste. |
It is also necessary to maintain a log showing the maintenance and servicing of the equipment. In most instances, your Trade Waste Agreement will specify how regularly your equipment will need to be cleaned.
If you are unsure, please contact Coliban Water’s Trade Waste Officer for assistance on 1300 363 200. |
| What happens if untreated Trade Waste enters the sewer? |
Flammable Substances
The release of flammable substances increases the possibility of fires and explosions in the sewer system.
High Temperature
High temperatures in the sewer can release volatile material into the atmosphere. They can also produce bacterial growth and increase odours.
Grease and Oil
Grease and oil can form deposits along the water line of sewers, reducing the capacity of the sewer and breaking away during times of high and low flow. Greasy deposits can also cause blockages as they accumulate in wet wells and pumping stations, in the bends of the sewer and on the screens at treatment facilities. Grease and oil deposits can also build up in drains causing them to overflow at commercial and industrial properties.
Suspended Solids and Sludges
Sewer blockages are caused by the accumulation of suspended solids and sludge in wet wells and pumping stations and along the bottom of sewers and treatment plants. Mechanical equipment can also be damaged from the abrasions.
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High pH and Low pH
High pH can injure people working in the sewer system and damage the sewer. In addition, Low pH can cause the release of toxic hydrogen sulphide gas. Chlorinated Solvents
Chlorinated solvents are potentially toxic to the treatment processes and to people working in and around the sewer system.
Concentrated Organic Loads and Nutrients
Too much organic load entering the treatment plant can cause it to overload, preventing the sewage from being treated properly.
Heavy Metals and Salts
Heavy metals and high salt concentrations can cause the treatment plants processes to slow down, possibly preventing the sewage from being properly treated at the treatment plant. Salt and heavy metals can also reduce our ability to recycle water or to make beneficial use of treatment plant by-products such as biosolids. |
| What if I fail to comply with the Trade Waste Agreement? |
Penalties for the disposal of trade waste without an agreement can be severe, including fines and possible criminal prosecution.
If a trade waste customer fails to comply with one or more of the conditions set out in their Trade Waste Agreement, Coliban Water has the ability under the Water Act 1989 to issue a notice of non-compliance to the customer.
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Coliban Water will ask the customer to ensure that their trade waste discharges comply with the Trade Waste Agreement by a certain date. If a sample taken after that date shows that it complies, no further action will be taken. If not, Coliban Water has the right to terminate the customer’s agreement, seal the point of connection and prevent the discharge of trade waste to the sewer.
Coliban Water regularly monitors trade waste through trade waste testing and site inspections. |
What can I expect from a site inspection?
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Site inspections by the Trade Waste Officer are carried out regularly. Maintenance records are viewed for the cleaning and pump out of pre-treatment equipment, and all the conditions of the Trade Waste Agreement are checked to confirm that they are being met. |
Site inspections also provide an opportunity for you to discuss any trade waste issues, such as waste management and cleaner production techniques.
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| How do I reduce the amount of trade waste going to the sewer? |
Follow these tips to reduce the amount of trade waste that you produce and save money:
> Use dry or waterless cleaning methods such as wiping up spills and sweeping. Scrape and wipe as much food as possible from plates and utensils before washing.
> The less water used, the less trade waste to be treated.
> Do not pour oils and fats down the drain.
>Use low or phosphate free cleaning products |
> Don’t use more detergent than you need to. Detergents dissolve grease allowing it to pass through a grease trap more easily and get into the sewerage system.
>Never put solid wastes of any kind down the sink, including coffee grounds or tea leaves.
>Train your staff to know what they can and cannot put down the sink.
>Minimise the use of chemicals in processes and make sure that chemicals are safely stored on site. Remember to also keep copies of MSDS and provide these to Coliban Water on request. |
| What if there is a change in property ownership? |
You need to apply to Coliban Water to vary or cancel a Trade Waste Agreement if a change in ownership or business occurs.
Once the property is sold, the new owner is responsible for the pre-treatment equipment and the conditions of the agreement. If you remove the equipment and install it at a new property you must apply for a new Trade Waste Agreement. . |
To avoid paying trade waste charges for pre-treatment equipment that is no longer in use, you need to apply to Coliban Water for disconnection and to cancel the Trade Waste Agreement.
The pre-treatment equipment will need to be cleaned out by an EPA approved liquid waste contractor filled with sand and disconnected from the sewerage system by a licenced plumber. Coliban Water will require a copy of the plumbers Certificate of Compliance as proof of disconnection |
| How much does it cost? |
Trade waste charges cover the cost of managing trade waste discharges. Charges for minor trade waste (discharges less that 2000kL/year) include a minor trade waste charge which is a set annual fee.
This is in addition to the standard sewerage access fee and sewerage volume charge. Charges will appear on your normal quarterly account and will vary depending on your town and the type of property.
The volume fee is based on the user pays principle, where you pay according to the volume of water discharged into the sewer.
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Access fees are charged according to the location of your business to reflect the cost of demands on the sewer network resulting from your connection.
Charges for major trade waste also reflect the cost of managing trade waste discharges and the type of treatment and end uses at the treatment plant. These vary from town to town and, as a general guide, can be found in the schedule of fees and charges (click here)
Coliban Water’s Trade Waste Officer will be able to provide further information about specific fees and charges at the time of your application. |
| Where can I go for further information? |
Contact Coliban Water’s Trade Waste Officer for further information on 1300 363 200.
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Coliban Water
PO Box 2770
Bendigo Delivery Centre VIC 3550
Telephone: 1300 363 200
Facsimile: (03) 5434 1341
Email: contactcentre@coliban.com.au
www.coliban.com.au |
