Trade Waste Agreement Assistance Melbourne
Every commercial kitchen in Melbourne that discharges wastewater to the sewer system needs a Trade Waste Agreement with their local water authority. The application process can be confusing — especially if you’re opening a new food business or have received a compliance notice. Melbourne Grease Trap Cleaning provides free Trade Waste Agreement guidance to help you get it right.
What Is a Trade Waste Agreement?
A Trade Waste Agreement is a formal arrangement between your business and your water authority — either City West Water, South East Water, or Yarra Valley Water — that authorises you to discharge trade waste (including FOG-laden wastewater) into the sewerage system. Operating without one is illegal and can result in significant fines, disconnection orders, and prosecution.
Who Needs a Trade Waste Agreement?
- Restaurants, cafes, and takeaway shops
- Hotels, pubs, and bars with kitchen facilities
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Catering companies and commercial kitchens
- Aged care facilities, schools, and hospitals with on-site food preparation
- Any business that produces FOG, food waste, or chemical-laden wastewater
How We Help
While we are not plumbers or consultants, our extensive experience with Melbourne’s three water authorities means we can guide you through the process efficiently:
- Identifying your water authority: We confirm whether your premises falls under City West Water, South East Water, or Yarra Valley Water jurisdiction.
- Application guidance: We walk you through the application forms, required documentation, and submission process.
- Grease trap specification: We advise on the trap size and type that will satisfy your water authority’s conditions, based on your kitchen’s fixture units and output.
- Pre-trade waste inspections: We can prepare your grease trap for the water authority’s pre-approval inspection, ensuring it meets all requirements.
- Ongoing compliance: Once your agreement is in place, we help you maintain compliance through scheduled maintenance plans and proper documentation.
Common Trade Waste Agreement Conditions
Your Trade Waste Agreement will typically include conditions around grease trap size and type, maximum cleaning intervals, FOG concentration limits, Waste Transport Certificate retention requirements, and access provisions for water authority inspectors. Non-compliance with any of these conditions can result in penalty charges, increased trade waste fees, or agreement cancellation.
EPA Victoria Requirements
In addition to your water authority obligations, EPA Victoria requires that all grease trap waste is collected by an EPA-licensed transporter and disposed of at approved facilities. Our services satisfy both your Trade Waste Agreement conditions and EPA Victoria’s regulatory framework, keeping you fully compliant on all fronts.
Need help with your Trade Waste Agreement? Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll point you in the right direction and ensure your grease trap setup meets all requirements.