Trade Waste

Trade Waste Consent

In order to discharge Trade Waste into the wastewater system, prior consent needs to be obtained. Click the button below to apply online or print and fill out the form form here.

Apply now

All commercial, industrial, manufacturing or trade businesses that discharge to the wastewater system will need to apply for consent. 

Businesses such as:

If you are unsure whether you have to apply for a consent or not, contact our Trade Waste Officer on (06) 838 7309 who can help you identify sources of Trade Waste and the right pre-treatment.

Trade Waste in the Food Service Industry

Many food outlets produce waste cooking oil, grease and food solids every day simply by carrying our normal food preparation activities. If that waste is discharged directly into our wastewater system it can cause blockages and overflows, overload the wastewater treatment plant, be a hazard to public health and could result in pollution of our rivers.

Although the amount of waste from any single food outlet may be relatively small, the effect of the total amount of waste being discharged from the food service industry is very significant.

Pre-Treatment

The main type of pre-treatment used in dealing with greasy waste is the grease trap. Only wastewater from food preparation areas, floor wastes, kitchen sinks and dishwashers can be discharged to the wastewater system via the grease trap. Wastewater from toilets, showers and other processes that generate Trade Waste must not be directed through the grease trap.

There are three basic types of grease trap:

1. gravity separation
2. enzyme digestion
3. mechanical separation

Grease traps are sized according to the daily volume of wastewater discharged and the seating capacity of the restaurant or café. If your business increases, you may need to upgrade the size or type of your pre-treatment equipment.

Maintenance

All grease traps require maintenance to ensure they operate effectively and efficiently. It is important to know what type of grease trap you have, where it is located, how it operates and what maintenance is required. Your Trade Waste consent will contain the minimum requirements specific to your premises and type of grease trap.

For more information about pre-treatment call us on (06) 838 7309 and ask to speak to the Trade Waste Officer.

Trade Waste in the Motor vehicle Industry

Motor vehicle businesses produce harmful liquid waste pollutants such as, petroleum hydrocarbons, flammable substances, metals from engine parts and batteries, oils and solids. These substances are produced every day simply by carrying out normal operations. If that waste is discharged directly into our wastewater system it can affect the health of people working in the wastewater treatment plant, potentially cause explosions and could result in pollution of our rivers. 

Pre-Treatment

The main types of pre-treatment used in dealing with oily waste are:

• oil and grit interceptors
• dry basket arrestors
• diversion valves
• bunding
• roofing of wash areas

Wastewater from toilets, showers and other processes that generate Trade Waste must not be directed through the pre-treatment equipment. Oil and grit interceptors cannot process large amounts of liquids and chemicals such as oil, petrol, kerosene, radiator fluid, brake fluid, non quick-break degreasers and solvents. Do not pour any of these wastes down the drain.

Maintenance

All pre-treatment equipment requires maintenance to ensure it operates effectively and efficiently. It is important to know what type of pre-treatment you have, where it is located, how it operates and what maintenance is required. All pre-treatment should be operated and maintained according to the manufacturers instructions. Your Trade Waste consent will contain the minimum requirements specific to your premises and type of pre-treatment.

For more information about pre-treatment call us on (06) 838 7309 and ask to speak to the Trade Waste Officer.

Trade Waste Tips

There are a lot small changes which can be easily implemented into your business's daily operations that will save you money, water and will help protect the wastewater system and our receiving waters. Have a look through the accordion below.