Trade waste is a discharge, usually from commercial or industrial premises that contains chemicals, fats or other impurities. It does not include domestic sewage from a hand basins, showers, baths or toilets. It does not include storm-water, unpolluted water or other prohibited substances such as flammable liquids, oils, greases, acids, dead animal matter, clothing, solids, medical wastes, infectious materials, hair and chemical wastes.
There is a public misconception that trade waste is always toxic and is only generated by industrial factories or large organisations. In fact, the most common sources of trade waste are commercial businesses such as food outlets, laundromats, service stations, vehicle repair workshops, equipment hire centres and animal boarding kennels, to name a few.
Only waste that can be treated biologically through Council’s wastewater treatment processes are allowed to be discharged to the sewerage network. Most businesses that wish to discharge their trade waste to the sewer system are required to pre-treat the waste to an acceptable level for discharge to the sewerage network so as not to cause damage to the wastewater treatment plant.
To control the volume and type of trade waste being discharged, businesses are required to apply for a ‘permit to discharge trade waste’ into the sewerage system.
Application process
1. Notify Council prior to starting or taking over a business.
2. A Council Trade Waste Officer inspects the premise.
3. Complete an application form and pay any relevant fees. – LINK
4. A Trade Waste Permit is issued.
If you are unsure if your business discharges trade waste, please contact our Trade Waste Officer on (07) 4099 9444 or email enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au.
Trade Waste Environmental Management Plan General Policy (212.0 KiB)