What do I need to know if I am a trade waste customer

The NSW Government is committed to greater protection of the environment, better public health and safety, and a strong economy for the community. To meet this objective the government has a legislative framework in place and includes the liquid trade waste regulation. 

Water and Sewer utilities are responsible for the implementation of the best practice in administering, regulating, monitoring and pricing sewerage and Liquid Trade Waste.

Therefore, it is mandatory for any businesses that discharges Liquid Trade Waste into the sewerage system to have a Trade Waste agreement with Council.

Do I Need a Trade Waste Agreement?

If you know that you’re discharging Trade Waste to sewer then you will need a Trade Waste agreement or consent from your local water utility. Failure to apply and obtain a Trade Waste agreement or consent can result in penalties.

How to apply for trade waste approval

If Council requires more information or your application doesn’t meet all requirements, we may need to arrange a site inspection with you.

Council is committed to working with businesses to complete Trade Waste approvals. Council’s Trade Waste officer can be contacted on: 6850 2300 (option 2) or by emailing forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Fees and Charges

Prior to an agreement being issued by Council the Trade Waste application fee must be paid. An invoice will be sent to the business owner once the application is received.

Renewals

Trade Waste approvals are valid for five (5) years. Council is reviewing all expired approvals and will be in contact when a renewal is required. When reviewing the renewal please go through the document and let us know if the business has had changes in its operation (e.g. increased sewer discharge, increased customer base).

Requirements for Liquid Trade Waste Application
The following information is requested within the Trade Waste application forms:
  • Applicant's full name, address and contact details
  • Site owner's full name, address and contact details, if different to the applicant
  • Address of the business/industry where discharge to sewerage system will occur
  • Contact person and contact details for the premises
  • Proposed date of commencement of discharge to the sewerage system
  • Type of process/activity generating liquid waste
  • Hours of business operation
  • Proposed rate of discharge, including: 

     - maximum per day and per hour (if applicable)

     - hours of the day during which discharge takes place

  • Proposed pre-treatment equipment including: 

     - type and details (eg model)

     - size

     - operational procedures

     - details on equipment maintenance

  • Site plan, including: 

     - liquid waste pre-treatment facilities

     - internal wastewater drainage

     - location of sampling points

     - proposed connection point to the sewerage system

     - stormwater drainage plan

Additional information required for applications in Concurrence Classification B or C   
 
  • Flow diagram and hydraulic profile of any proposed pre-treatment facilities.
  • Physical and chemical characteristics of the proposed discharge, including:

          - nature of source

          - expected maximum and average concentrations of pollutants, and 

          - temperature and pH

  • Nature and chemical composition of all substances stored/used onsite.
  • Details of storage facilities.
  • Relevant safety data sheets.
  • Location of flow measurement point and proposed methods.
  • Proposed arrangements for the disposal of other wastes not discharged to the sewage system.
  • Any relevant environmental impact assessments.
  • Consultant report (if applicable).
  • Any additional details as requested by Council.
Additional information required for applications in Concurrence Classification S is shown in s.7.4.2.

Where development consent and a Liquid Trade Waste approval are both required (and Council is the determining authority for both), an applicant may apply for both approvals in the DA.

Applicants must be advised to consult with Council before doing this. The ability to apply for both approvals in one development application is provided under s.4.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
PRE-TREATMENT

On site pre-treatment refers to the treatment of Liquid Trade Waste generated on the premises before it is discharged to Council’s sewerage system. Pre-treatment may be very simple or quite complex, depending on the type of liquid waste being treated.

Examples of some simple pre-treatment facilities:

  • Grease arrestors
  • Neutralisation trap
  • General purpose pit
  • Silver recover units
  • Cooling pits
  • Oil separator

More complex pre-treatment may include:

  • Chemical dosing
  • Biological treatment
  • Balancing tank
  • Ph control

Examples of businesses requiring on site pre-treatment include:

  • Butchers
  • Bakeries
  • Laundries
  • Café, restaurants and chicken shops
  • Hotels & motels
  • Service stations and mechanics
  • Hospitals and nursing homes
  • Shopping centres

INSTALLATION

When do I need a grease trap?

If you cook or serve hot food, then you must install a grease trap and have a trade waste approval with the Council. Grease trap are design to hold wastewater for a period of time to allow oil and grease to separate from the liquid and to the top of the grease trap.

Sizing Requirements

The type and sizing of your business will determine the size of your grease trap. The minimum size of a grease trap is 1000L and the maximum size is 5000L.

Sizing of Grease Traps

The below table shows the required size of a grease trap. If you require further help, please reach out to Council for assistance.

Commercial Process

Discharge

Seats/beds/rooms

Minimum grease trap requirements

Additional Requirements

Fast food Outlets (Burger King, KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut etc)

1500L

Café, canteen, restaurant, club, function centre, hotel (food preparation)

1100l/d

Up to 69 seats

1000L

3200l/d

70-199 seats

1500L

6400L/d

200-399 seats

2000L

9600L/d

400-599 seats

3000L

Barbequing process rotisserie, charcoal barbeque, hot plate

1000L

Steam oven, gas vat

2000L

Grease interceptor installed upstream of the grease trap

Restaurant, food outlets with wok burner (where large volumes of water are discharged)

1500L

Motels (where room service is provided)
  • Up to 50 rooms

1000l
  • Up to 100 rooms

1500L
  • Up to 200 rooms

2000L
  • Up to 300 rooms

3000L

Hospitals, hostels, nursing homes (if no food waste disposal unit is installed)

110l/d

Up to 69 beds

1000L

3200l/d

70-199 beds

1500L

6400l/d

200-399 beds

2000L

9600l/d

400-599 beds

3000L