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What is trade waste?

What is trade waste?

Trade waste is any liquid waste, other than domestic sewage, that is generated by industrial and commercial business activities and discharged to the sewer system.

How is trade waste different to domestic sewage?

Trade waste is treated differently to domestic wastewater, as it often contains oils, grease or chemicals that can have adverse impacts on the sewerage system or the environment. Generally trade waste requires pre-treatment prior to discharge to ensure it is compatible with the sewer pipes and treatment systems.

How is trade waste treated?

There are several ways trade waste can be treated, depending on the nature of the waste. Pre-treatment devices such as screening, grease traps, interceptor pits and settling tanks can be used on site. Each trade waste customer must comply with the treatment methods set out in their Trade Waste Agreement.

Trade waste devices

Am I a potential trade waste customer?

Trade waste customers include, but are not limited to the following businesses: 

  • restaurant, cafes & takeaways
  • petrol stations
  • butchers
  • laundries
  • car washes
  • hotels
  • food processing
  • manufacturing

Types of trade waste customers

North East Water has three categories of trade waste customers including Commercial, Industrial and Deemed. How your business is categorised depends on your processes and the type of trade waste produced.

Commercial customers

Industrial customers

Deemed trade waste customers

Deemed customers are given automatic consent to discharge to a North East Water sewer (subject to meeting certain standard pre-treatment requirements). 

Deemed customers include, but are not limited to the following businesses:

  • beauticians
  • doctors surgery
  • dog groomer
  • dry cleaners
  • florist
  • fruit and vegetable shop
  • hairdresser
  • juice bar
  • nut shop
  • pet shop

If you have further questions about Deemed customers, please contact our Trade Waste Team on 1300 361 633.

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