Liquid Trade Waste

Liquid Trade Waste (LTW) is any liquid waste that goes into our sewerage system that is not of a domestic origin or quantity. Any business that generates liquid waste is required under NSW legislation to obtain an LTW approval from Council.

The most common forms of businesses that need LTW approvals are food related ones. Some examples include; café’s, restaurants, take- away, hotels, motels, supermarkets, etc. but it also include types of businesses as well. These can include accommodation, medical, dental, fueling and washing of vehicles, and other industrial facilities that generates liquid waste.

If dumped directly into the wastewater network, liquid trade waste causes significant problems. Clearing blockages, repairing damage, and separating contaminants from inflows to sewage treatment plants costs a significant amount of time and money.

Currently, some business have LTW approvals and others don’t. We want to make things fair for all businesses across our region. We are working towards a uniform approach to Liquid Trade Waste across the whole of our council area.

The sewerage system and treatment operation that is run by Council, is under the oversight of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE). We have Guidelines from DPIE under which we have to do things. There is also legislation under s.68 of The Local Government Act 1993 that covers what we do, as well as the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, 1997 if pollution occurs.

If you think you business needs a liquid trade waste approval, or you want to find out more information, we have information brochures available:

You can call our Backflow Prevention & Liquid Trade Waste Officer by email or on 1300 345 345 to discuss the requirements for your business and work with you to achieve our liquid waste goals.