Trade waste is any liquid discharged from industrial or business premises into the wastewater system. Discharging directly to the wastewater system can cause blockages, overflows and introduce hazardous substances that can be a health risk to the public and environment.

A trade waste consent is a written agreement to discharge wastewater to the sewer system with set conditions. You may need a trade waste consent if you:

  • operate an industrial or commercial activity
  • have commercial cooking facilities on-site
  • perform other activities requiring trade waste consent under the Hamilton Trade Waste and Wastewater Bylaw.

Trade Waste and Wastewater Bylaw

Getting and maintaining consent

Before any discharge can occur, you will need to apply to Council for a trade waste consent explaining the type of work to be carried out and the discharge. If the discharge is acceptable, Council will issue a consent.

The consent will provide details of:

  • the amount of wastewater that can be discharged to the wastewater system
  • the type and amount of substances in the wastewater
  • the type of pre-treatment needed
  • servicing requirements
  • the annual cost of the consent compliance monitoring.

The consent will include conditions to prevent:

  • blockages
  • sewer overflows
  • interference or obstruction to the treatment process or network
  • risk to public health and the environment.

Trade waste consent is valid for five years unless terminated earlier. All consents are non-transferable. If you sell or close the business, you must give 20 days’ written notice to Council or you may still be liable for associated costs.

For more information about trade waste services please contact us.

 

By phone

07 838 6999

By email

tradewaste@hcc.govt.nz

 

 

Monitoring trade waste

Council manages wastewater and trade waste sources to prevent damage to our services and infrastructure and the environment. We manage and prevent sewer overflows, blockages, flooding, habitat destruction, and infrastructure damage while reducing the health and safety risk for everyone.

You may have to install a pre-treatment device and have it regularly maintained to meet consent conditions. All accidents and spills either causing damage to or allowing a substance to enter our network must be reported to Council immediately. You may also be asked to install a flow meter, which must be calibrated and monitored regularly so readings of discharge volumes are accurate.

Our staff will occasionally inspect, monitor, test, and sample to check you are complying. We’ll give you at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your property. In an emergency, 24-hour access must be granted to authorised officers without notice.

Breaches

If you are convicted of breaching the bylaw, you may be fined up to $200,000 under section 242 of the Local Government Act (2002). You may also have to pay the cost of fixing any damage caused.

Improve your trade waste quality

By minimising the pollutants in trade waste, you can protect the health of the public and the environment. By producing less waste overall, your business can save money on trade waste charges and reduce pump outs of your grease traps.

Your business can help by:

  • disposing of greasy waste and food scraps into the rubbish bin
  • never putting oil down the sink
  • training staff on why it is important to keep fats, oils and grease out of drains and sewers
  • installing and maintaining grease traps/grease interceptors
  • arranging waste oil to be collected by a licensed waste contractor.

For industrial companies, it is important to ensure that only clean rainwater enters the stormwater drains on or near the premises. Your business can help by:

  • immediately cleaning all spills and leaks
  • preventing wash water from entering the stormwater drains
  • ensuring contaminated areas are bonded and wastewater is directed to the sewers

STEP 1: YOU

Apply for trade waste consent

Understand fees and charges

You will be charged a fee when you apply for trade waste consent. All businesses that discharge trade waste to the wastewater system will be charged annual trade waste charges. Extra charges will depend on the amount of trade waste being discharged and its nature.

Fees for applying for a trade waste consent and all other related charges can be found here.

STEP 2: YOU

Apply for consent

Pre-treatment equipment must be installed before consent is granted. First, contact Council’s Trade Waste Officer for advice on 07 838 6999 / tradewaste@hcc.govt.nz.

A registered plumber must complete the work. A City Waters Environmental Officer will confirm that the pre-treatment is correctly installed and works properly. Please contact the Environment Office for an inspection - 07 838 6999 / cityinfrastructure@hcc.govt.nz.

Complete the Application for a Trade Waste Discharge form and submit it to Council with the trade waste application fee:

By visiting
Hamilton City Council
260 Anglesea Street, Hamilton

By post
Hamilton City Council
Private Bag 3010
Hamilton 3240

By email
tradewaste@hcc.govt.nz

STEP 3: COUNCIL

Processing your application

We will:

  • check pre-treatment equipment has been installed
  • provide an annual cost of the consent compliance monitoring 
  • send you an invoice
  • provide you a fee receipt 
  • if approved, provide you with a consent number, along with any conditions for the consent.

Bylaws

Three Waters

Learn about the systems that look after Hamilton’s drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater (the ‘three waters’).

Compliance

Learn about property compliance, building WoFs, swimming pool standards, and earthquake-prone buildings.

Building Consents and information

Discover what you need to do before applying for building consent, when you need one, and how to apply.

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Last updated 29 June 2022