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. This guide explains Trade Waste Agreements 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 the Process Works Melbourne’s 3 water authorities follow a similar process:

Identifying your water authority: Confirm whether your premises falls under City West Water, South East Water, or Yarra Valley Water jurisdiction. Application guidance: Your water authority provides the application forms and lists the required documentation and submission process. Grease trap specification: A licensed plumber can 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: A contractor can prepare your grease trap for the water authority’s pre-approval inspection. Ongoing compliance: Once your agreement is in place, scheduled maintenance and proper documentation keep you compliant. 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. Regular servicing with proper documentation covers both your Trade Waste Agreement conditions and EPA Victoria’s regulatory framework.

Need help with your Trade Waste Agreement? Contact us and we’ll pass your enquiry to a local contractor who can check your grease trap setup.