Trade waste is generally considered to be the liquid matter that’s discharged to a sewer from commercial and industrial processes.
Trade waste is regulated to:
- protect people’s health
- minimise impact on the environment
- prevent damage to our pipes and infrastructure
- prevent disruptions to our water and sewer processes
New laws to better protect the environment
We encourage our trade waste customers to be aware of new laws from the Environment Protection Authority Victoria which take effect from Thursday 1 July 2021.
Apply to be a trade waste customer
To discharge trade waste you need to enter into a Trade Waste Agreement and meet the Trade Waste Acceptance Criteria (PDF 129KB).
To enter into a Trade Waste Agreement, complete the appropriate application form:
- Commercial (minor) trade waste (Word 117KB) application form
- Industrial (major) trade waste (Word 151KB) application form
You'll need in-depth information about:
- your business
- the trade waste you plan to discharge
- trade waste equipment
Submit the form by mail or email.
Types of trade waste customers
There are 2 types of trade waste customers:
1. Commercial (minor) trade waste
Examples of commercial trade waste customers are:
- take away and fast food outlets
- cafes and restaurants
- canteens and cafeterias
- bakeries
- delicatessens
- butchers
- ice-creameries
- supermarkets
- caterers
- school science laboratories
- nursing homes
- hotels and motels
- function centres with commercial kitchens
For tips on how to dispose of commercial trade waste, see our:
- Trade Waste Commercial Kitchen (PDF 101KB) fact sheet
- Trade Waste Motor Vehicle Trade Tips (PDF 105KB) fact sheet
2. Industrial (major) trade waste
Examples of industrial trade waste customers are:
- food manufacturers
- major hospitals
- sale yards
- laundries
- abattoirs
- textile manufacturers
Install a pre-treatment device
You may need a pre-treatment device, such as a grease trap, installed before you can apply to be a trade waste customer.
Pre-treatment devices trap solids, oil and grease before they enter our sewer system. The type of device you need depends on your business and the amount of trade waste produced.
Our Installation of a Grease Interceptor (PDF 98KB) fact sheet explains what's involved to install and maintain a grease trap.
To get help choosing the best device for your business, contact us.
Trade waste codes and charters
The Trade Waste Customer Charter (PDF 2.79MB) details rights and responsibilities for managing trade waste. Our charter is approved by the Essential Services Commission (ESC).
We use the ESC's Victorian Trade Waste Customer Service Code (PDF 92KB) for consistent and transparent decision making for trade waste management.
For trade waste charges, see fees and charges.
Backflow prevention
Industrial or commercial properties that use harmful substances need to install a backflow prevention device. This protects the water supply from contamination.
See backflow prevention for more information.
Last updated on 21 Jun 2021