Douglas Shire Council is committed to protecting its wastewater infrastructure and the surrounding environment through the responsible management of trade waste. Trade waste refers to any liquid waste discharged from commercial or industrial premises that contains harmful contaminants such as chemicals, fats, oils, solids, or other impurities.
It does not include domestic sewage (from toilets, showers, or hand basins), stormwater, or prohibited substances such as flammable liquids, medical waste, or heavy metals.
Understanding Trade Waste
There is a common misconception that trade waste is only produced by large industrial operations. In reality, many everyday businesses generate trade waste, including:
- Restaurants, Cafés, and Food Manufacturers
- Laundromats, Commercial Laundries and Dry Cleaners
- Service Stations
- Automotive Workshops and Car Washes
- Animal Boarding Facilities
- Hospitals, Dental Clinics, and Laboratories
- Any other industrial or commercial sites that discharge wastewater with the above criteria
These businesses often discharge waste that must be pre-treated before entering the sewer system to ensure it can be safely processed by Council’s wastewater treatment facilities.
Only waste that can be biologically treated is permitted for discharge. Businesses must install appropriate pre-treatment systems where required to meet Council’s discharge standards and prevent damage to infrastructure or environmental harm.
Permit to Discharge Trade Waste
Annual trade waste approvals are issued for a period of 12 months, from 1st September to 31st August.
To regulate and monitor trade waste discharges, Douglas Shire Council requires businesses to obtain an Approval to Discharge Trade Waste. The process includes:
- Notification: Businesses must notify Council before commencing operations, when ceasing operation, or when taking over an existing business.
- Application: Businesses must complete the application form and pay applicable fees.
- Inspection: A Trade Waste Officer will conduct a site inspection to assess the nature and volume of waste.
- Permit Issuance: Upon approval, a Trade Waste Permit is issued, outlining conditions for discharge.
Trade waste drainage systems must be compliant with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 and Plumbing Code of Australia (AS/NZS 3500), as assessed by Council’s plumbing inspector.
Failure to comply with requirements or conditions under Council’s Environmental Trade Waste Environmental Management Plan may result in fines and penalties under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008, and a suspension or cancellation of trade waste approval.
Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
To ensure compliance with trade waste discharge conditions, businesses are expected to maintain accurate records and conduct regular monitoring of their treatment systems.
- Record-Keeping Businesses must keep detailed logs of maintenance activities, inspections, and any incidents related to their trade waste systems. These records should be readily available upon request, and during annual trade waste inspections.
- Sampling and Analysis Periodic sampling of trade waste may be required to verify compliance with discharge standards. Results should be documented and submitted to Council upon request.
- System Maintenance Pre-treatment devices such as grease traps, oil-water separators, and filtration units must be serviced regularly. Maintenance schedules should not only align with manufacturer recommendations, but with Council guidelines and formally established servicing schedules.
Environmental Responsibility
Douglas Shire Council’s approach to trade waste management is guided by a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Council’s Trade Waste Environmental Management Plan outlines the framework for sustainable trade waste management practices. This plan ensures that only biologically treatable waste enters the sewerage system, protecting public infrastructure and supporting long-term environmental goals.
Effective trade waste management plays a vital role in protecting and supporting sustainable downstream recycling processes.
Contaminants in trade waste can compromise the quality of treated water and hinder the beneficial reuse of biosolids—nutrient-rich organic materials produced during wastewater treatment.
These biosolids are used in agriculture and land rehabilitation, contributing to a more circular economy. By following pre-treatment requirements and regulating trade waste discharge, trade waste producers help to ensure that wastewater treatment products remain safe, usable, and environmentally beneficial.
For further information, or to determine if your business requires a trade waste permit, contact our friendly Trade Waste Team on (07) 4099 9444 or email enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au.
