Trade waste agreement essentials for Victorian businesses

What is a trade waste agreement?

A trade waste agreement is a formal contract between a business and a local water authority. It outlines how trade waste generated must be managed and specifies limits for the volume and type of trade waste discharged.

Key aspects include:

• Compliance limits: Tailored limits based on the business’s operations and trade waste volume.

• Pre-treatment requirements: Businesses may need to install systems like grease traps or oil separators before discharging trade waste.

• Monitoring and reporting: Regular checks ensure compliance with the agreement.

Each local water authority in Victoria operates under the framework developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and VicWater. Trade waste consent is required before any business can legally discharge trade waste into the sewer system.

How to obtain a trade waste licence in Victoria

To obtain a trade waste licence:

1. Contact your local water authority.

2. Submit required documentation, such as site plans and chemical safety data sheets.

3. Implement pre-treatment systems as required.

Some businesses may also need a trade waste permit to operate legally, especially those handling high-risk waste. This requirement ensures proper oversight and compliance with local regulations. Businesses must ensure their operations align with the specific terms of their trade waste consent to avoid penalties.

Best practice guideline for trade waste in Victoria

The EPA and VicWater have developed a best practice guide to help a trade waste customer comply with trade waste regulations. Below are the key components:

1. Reduce trade waste

The best way to manage trade waste is to minimise its production. Businesses can:

• Reuse water within their processes to reduce overall trade waste charges.

• Implement water-saving technologies to limit the amount of trade waste produced.

2. Manage the risk

Trade waste agreements adopt a risk-based approach. High-risk waste streams require more stringent controls and frequent monitoring.

3. Establish compliance limits

Each water authority sets standard limits for contaminants. However, these limits may be customised based on the type of waste and the capacity of local treatment plants.

4. Trade waste agreements

Businesses cannot discharge trade waste without an agreement. This document outlines specific obligations, including:

• Pre-treatment requirements.

• Monitoring and reporting responsibilities.

5. Inspections and monitoring

High-risk businesses are subject to frequent inspections. Local authorities may also require self-monitoring reports to ensure ongoing compliance.

6. Categorisation

Industries with similar waste profiles are grouped into categories. For example, all restaurants may be required to install grease traps.

7. Enforcement

Non-compliance can result in:

• Fines and penalties.

• Suspension of trade waste agreements.

• In severe cases, disconnection from the sewer network or legal prosecution.

Trade waste recycling for Victorian businesses

Recycling trade waste is an effective way for businesses to reduce environmental impact while cutting down on disposal costs. In Victoria, trade waste recycling is increasingly encouraged as part of sustainable waste management practices. By implementing recycling systems, businesses can recover valuable materials and reduce the volume of waste discharged into the sewer network.

Benefits of trade waste recycling

• Environmental sustainability: Recycling helps minimise the strain on Victoria’s water treatment infrastructure and reduces pollution in local waterways.

• Cost savings: Reusing treated water or recovering materials from trade waste can significantly lower disposal fees and water bills.

• Regulatory compliance: Many local water authorities support recycling initiatives, and businesses adopting these practices may find it easier to meet trade waste agreement requirements.

How Cleanawater supports trade waste recycling

At Cleanawater, we provide advanced systems that make trade waste recycling simple and effective for Victorian businesses. Our solutions include:

• Water recycling systems: Recover and reuse water within your operations, reducing waste and cutting costs.

• Pre-treatment solutions: Ensure that your recycled trade waste meets regulatory standards for safe reuse.

• Customised recycling strategies: We design systems tailored to your business’s specific waste streams, helping you maximise recycling potential.

Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about our commercial wastewater recycling and harvesting services.

Industry-specific solutions for trade waste compliance

At Cleanawater, we understand that each industry in Victoria faces unique trade waste challenges. That’s why we offer tailored solutions to help our clients in major sectors meet their compliance obligations. Here’s how we’ve supported businesses across key industries:

Hospitality

For restaurants, cafes, and food manufacturers, trade waste often includes high levels of grease and food particles that can clog sewer systems.

• Pre-treatment solutions we provide: Grease traps and sediment traps designed to manage hospitality waste.

• How we help: We design and install grease management systems that comply with local water authority requirements, ensuring our clients maintain smooth operations and avoid costly blockages.

Manufacturing

Factories frequently discharge wastewater containing heavy metals, oils, and chemicals that require advanced treatment.

• Pre-treatment solutions we provide: Oil-water separators and chemical dosing systems tailored for industrial needs.

• How we help: Our advanced systems ensure safe wastewater discharge, keeping our manufacturing clients compliant with stringent trade waste standards.

Automotive services

Car washes and mechanical workshops produce oily water containing hydrocarbons and detergents, which pose significant environmental risks.

• Pre-treatment solutions we provide: Triple interceptor traps and hydrocarbon separators specifically for the automotive industry.

• How we help: We equip our clients with high-performance oil-water separators that meet industry and regulatory standards, protecting both their business and the environment.

Cleanawater can help you with your trade waste compliance in Victoria

Navigating the complexities of trade waste agreements in Victoria requires expert guidance. At Cleanawater, we specialise in wastewater treatment solutions designed to help businesses meet their compliance obligations. Here’s how we can support you:

• Tailored pre-treatment systems: From oil separators to grease traps, we’ll design a tailored solution to ensure your business discharges trade waste safely and according to regulations.

• Compliance support: We’ll guide you through the licensing and agreement process, ensuring you meet all regulatory requirements.

• Ongoing maintenance and monitoring: Our team provides regular system checks to keep your operations running smoothly and within compliance.

With over 20 years of experience, Cleanawater is a trusted partner for industries across Victoria. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your trade waste management.