Trade waste is any commercial liquid (which is not typical domestic waste) that is discharged into our wastewater system.
If not controlled, trade waste can be harmful to our wastewater network, the treatment system, the environment, our staff and the public.
If you or your business discharges trade waste, you may need a trade waste consent.
The information in this section is a guide, please contact us to discuss your specific situation and check out the list of businesses often requiring a trade waste consent below.
10% of the wastewater treated at the New Plymouth Wastewater Treatment Plant comes from 67 businesses.
Applying for a trade waste consent
We grant trade waste consents on a case-by-case basis. When considering a consent we assess the quality, volume and rate of the discharge in relation to the:
We will also visit your business and may take some samples of your trade waste for analysis. For more information on trade waste consents see the Bylaw Part 11 Trade Waste.
If you discharge trade waste before getting a consent you are breaching our Trade Waste Bylaw. The same applies if you exceed the conditions set in your consent.
The bylaw outlines our trade waste requirements and details the process if you fail to comply. It also includes our policy on the recovery of costs for repairs and damages. If a business continues to discharge trade waste without a consent they can be convicted of an offence against a Trade Wastes Bylaw (under the Local Government Act) and fined up to $200,000.
A grease trap is a receptacle that captures the oil and fat so it doesn't enter the sewer system and cause blockages. It is required for all non-residential activities where cooking is undertaken with fat and oils.
The guide below will help if you are setting up a new business or upgrading existing premises:
The amount of wastewater produced by trade waste businesses each day is the same volume as the outside pool at the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre!
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Page last updated: 02:14pm Tue 30 April 2024