Trade Waste
What is Trade Waste?
Wastewater generated by commerce or industry is classified as trade waste. Trade waste contains greater volumes of contaminants than wastewater from an average household. These discharges are monitored:
- To meet resource consent conditions for discharge of treated effluent
- To make sure there is not a hazard to public health
- To make sure drains are not getting blocked by trade waste discharges
- To prevent adverse effects on the operation of council systems or staff
Individual premises may be required to have some form of trade waste on-site pre-treatment.
Trade waste pre-treatment is essential for managing the waste generated by industrial or commercial activities before it is discharged into the wastewater network. The goal of pre-treatment is to remove harmful substances, reduce pollutants, and ensure that the waste meets regulatory standards, protecting both the environment and the integrity of the sewage treatment infrastructure.
There are many systems available and design advice should be sought from a trade waste treatment specialist.
Read more about Trade Waste in our Trade Waste - What you need to know brochure.
Who needs a Trade Waste Consent?
Almost anyone who discharges commercial waste into the sewerage system will need a trade waste consent -restaurants, cafes, dentists, winemakers, hairdressers, butchers, automotive operations and so on.
If you are unsure whether your business requires a trade waste consent or, for any trade waste related enquiries, please contact water@codc.govt.nz.
Who applies for a Trade Waste Consent?
The business owner is responsible for holding a trade waste consent. When a business is bought or sold the trade waste consent must be transferred to the new owner. This can be arranged by calling Council.
Making changes to the Existing Consent
If there are changes to your business practices, pre-treatment, or other factors affecting your discharge after the agreement is established, you must notify the Council as these changes may impact the terms of your existing agreement.
Applying for a new Trade Waste Consent or Transferring an Existing Consent
A standard form is available to apply for a new trade waste consent or to apply to transfer an existing trade waste consent. A charge applies to process a consent application or transfer. Additional charges may also apply depending on the complexity of the consent and the time it takes to process.
