Trade Waste Agreements for Melbourne Cafes and Restaurants
If you run a cafe, restaurant or food truck base in Melbourne, you will need a Trade Waste Agreement with your water authority. It is the legal permission for your business to discharge wastewater that is not standard domestic sewage. Get it wrong and you face fines, blocked drains and possible closure.
What Trade Waste Means
Trade waste is any liquid waste from a commercial process. In hospitality that means greasy water from sinks, dishwashers, woks and floor wastes. It also covers any chemicals, oils or solids that get washed down. Yarra Valley Water at https://www.yvw.com.au/ and South East Water at https://southeastwater.com.au/ each manage trade waste agreements for their service areas.
Why You Need a Grease Arrestor
A grease arrestor cools the wastewater so that fats and oils float to the top, then captures them before they enter the sewer. Most Melbourne councils require a properly sized arrestor for cafes serving hot food. The Victorian Building Authority at https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/ ensures installations meet AS/NZS 3500. Sizing depends on the number of seats and the type of food served.
Approval Steps
Apply to your water authority for trade waste. Engage a licensed plumber to design the grease arrestor or pre treatment unit. Submit plans. The authority issues conditions of consent. Install, test and commission. The plumber lodges a Compliance Certificate at completion. Consumer Affairs Victoria at https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/ explains the role of certificates for business owners.
Ongoing Pump Outs and Records
Grease arrestors must be pumped out by a licensed contractor on a schedule set by your water authority, usually every three or six months. Keep your pump out dockets for at least 12 months. Failed pump outs are one of the most common reasons trade waste agreements are suspended.
What Happens If You Skip It
A blocked sewer in your suburb can be traced back through CCTV. Fines from the EPA at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/ can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance may refuse to cover damage if trade waste rules were not followed.
Related Reading on Newton Plumbing
See Backflow Prevention in Victoria, AS/NZS 3500 in Plain English, The Plumbing Regulations 2018 Explained, and What Is a Certificate of Compliance for related compliance topics.
FAQ
Do I need this for a small cafe? Yes if you serve hot food or wash dishes commercially.
Who approves the agreement? Your water authority based on your suburb.
How much is a grease arrestor? A typical above ground unit fully installed in Melbourne costs $4,500 to $12,000 depending on capacity.
Can I share with a neighbour? Sometimes, with both authorities’ approval.
Phone Newton Plumbing - +61 414 951 362. Newton Huang Licenced Plumber, Licence #107733.