What is Trade Waste?
Trade waste is defined as the water-borne waste from business, trade or manufacturing premises, other than (a) waste that is a prohibited substance; or (b) domestic waste; or (c) stormwater.
Do I need a permit (a trade waste approval) for my business?
If your business discharges any waste to council sewer that is not specifically domestic waste then there is a chance you are discharging trade waste and will require a permit. If you are unsure of the nature of the waste you discharge to council's sewer it is best to contact the Trade Waste Group within Townsville Water on (07) 47278758 and check with them.
What is a grease trap?
A grease trap is a pre-treatment device that separates fats, oils, grease and solids from the wastewater by cooling, causing the congealed grease to rise to the surface of the grease trap. The baffles in the trap slows the water flow so that the solids settle to the bottom of the trap.
Should I have a grease trap or an arrestor?
Grease traps are used in the food industry such as Hotels/Motels, Restaurants, Cafes, Butchers, Bakers, Schools (canteens) and Takeaways.
Who is responsible for servicing a grease trap?
The trade waste generator is responsible for getting the grease trap serviced by a council approved licensed contractor.
Who should have an oil/water separator?
Any workshop that has a wash bay or any other discharge to sewer from pits and machinery.
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Who is responsible for servicing a separator?
The trade waste generator is responsible for getting their separator serviced by a council approved licensed contractor.
How long does a trade waste approval last?
A trade waste approval lasts for a period of five years after which time a new approval will be negotiated with the generator.
What is the renewal notice for?
A renewal notice is a form required to be filled out and returned to council to facilitate the update of council files for a trade waste generator's business and any changes to their processes. It also includes a copy of the service agreement. A service agreement is the documentation between the Waste Generator and the Licensed Contractor commissioning their services.
What does Townsville City Council's trade waste section do?
With the aid of Trade Waste Approvals, council's trade waste section helps control discharges to sewers to protect council's sewers and sewage treatment plants. As a result this helps maintain a healthy community and environment. The section's responsibilities include maintaining trade waste accounts revenue;
- Council's first point of contact for the public, trade waste generators and other industry concerning trade waste issues;
- investigation of complaints and problems by members of the public including illegal connections and prohibited discharges
- reducing sewer admission limits, discharge quality and quantity.
What are my roles and responsibilities as a trade waste customer?
As a trade waste customer, it is necessary to take all appropriate actions to ensure compliance with the trade waste approval l at all times. Compliance means different things to different customers, trade waste approvals vary between businesses and depends on size, type and quality of discharge from the business. However for all trade waste customers it is essential to:
- have a current trade waste approval;
- comply with sewer admission limits set out in the approval and the Trade Waste Policy;
- supply council's trade waste unit with a copy of the service agreement with any liquid waste contractors and for each service of other pre-treatment devices;
- inform the trade waste unit of any changes to business activities; and
- use quick-break detergents and degreasers.
For more information, please phone 1300 878 001 or contact Townsville Water.
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