We support businesses to avoid, reduce, recycle and treat trade waste. We set and enforce standards to protect the environment and public health.
Trade waste is wastewater (sewage) from commercial businesses and industry. It is sometimes referred to as industrial wastewater, industrial sewage or industrial effluent.
Trade waste customers range from small businesses like cafés and restaurants, through to complex large-scale manufacturing industries and more.
All businesses that discharge trade waste are required to enter into a trade waste agreement with Barwon Water.
These agreements specify what can and cannot be discharged into the sewerage system, and any pre-treatment required.
There are currently more than 1450 individual trade waste agreements in place.
Discharges are monitored and inspected to ensure compliance.
Under our Trade Waste by-law and management policy we: