Trade waste discharge permits
A Unitywater Trade Waste Discharge Permit is required for a business that is currently or will be carrying out any of the following activities:
- Discharging any liquid waste to the drainage system, other than domestic waste (domestic waste is from a toilet, hand basin or a kitchen sink used for personal use).
- Washing-up or cleaning any utensil or apparatus that is a component of the business and then discharging the waste into the drainage system.
- Conducting a commercial/ industrial process that produces a contaminated liquid waste (i.e. anything that is non-domestic liquid waste that contains chemicals or residue from a commercial or industrial process).
- Having any pre-treatment devices installed on the property that will be connected to the drainage system.
Permit Conditions
Most commercial and service industries will require some form of pre-treatment before the waste is allowed to enter the sewerage system.
We recommend you seek advice from a qualified and experienced Industrial Wastewater Treatment Consultant about what type of pre-treatment and pipe size your business needs before you apply for your permit.
Applying for a Trade Waste Permit
Unitywater has three types of Trade Waste Discharge Permits (high risk, medium risk and low risk) categorised by the level of risk associated with the waste.
Upon application, Unitywater will assess your level of risk and will assign the relevant Trade Waste Discharge Permit classification.
To apply for a Trade Waste Discharge Permit, please fill out the Trade Waste Discharge Permit Application Form (PDF) and return it to Unitywater for processing.
Updating your Permit
If you wish to make changes to your permit such as a change of business name, mailing address or change in discharge factor, fill out the Trade Waste Discharge Permit Change Form (PDF).
A new permit (including payment of the full application fee) will be required in the following circumstances:
- A change of signatures.
- A transfer of ownership.
- A change of generators.
Changing your Trade Waste Discharge Factor
A Trade Waste Discharge Factor is the percent of potable water discharged to the sewer. Should you require a review of the discharge factor applied to your property, fill out the Trade Waste Variation of Discharge Factor Application Form (PDF).
Cancelling your Trade Waste Permit
If you would like to cancel a trade waste permit, fill out the Trade Waste Discharge Permit Cancellation Form (PDF).
Before cancelling your permit, Unitywater will undertake a final site inspection and meter reading (if relevant) and issue a final account.
Trade waste officers will require full access to your business site for the final inspection.
Please note, there are no refunds on any permit issued, and permits are not transferable.
Trade Waste Permit Fees
Fees apply for new trade waste discharge permits, changes to trade waste discharge permits and permit cancellations.
Trade waste fees are charged either annually or six-monthly.
Download our Trade Waste Fee Schedule (PDF).
If you have any queries regarding Trade Waste Discharge Permits please contact us.
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