Trade waste is any liquid waste that is discharged to Tauranga City Council’s wastewater system from industrial or business premises.
This includes any wastewater derived from a production process, washing down or cooling practices, but does not include domestic wastewater (toilet, bath and sink waste) or uncontaminated surface water and roof drainage (rainwater).
Unlike domestic wastewater, trade waste can contain pollutants like sediment, heavy metals, grease, oil and chemicals. If these pollutants enter our wastewater network, they can block pipes, cause overflows and seriously damage our infrastructure, risk public health and the environment.
It is very important that stormwater is not directed into the wastewater system, and that wastewater and trade waste are not directed into the stormwater system as this can significantly affect both public health and the environment.
Why do we control trade waste?
The composition, strength and volume of trade waste is highly variable and may contain substances that are harmful to human health, our environment and our infrastructure. We put controls in place to reduce these risks to acceptable levels and ensure our wastewater network and treatment process are not overloaded.
Who needs a consent?
All commercial, industrial, manufacturing and trade businesses will need to apply for a trade waste consent if:
- More than 5m3 liquid is produced (more than a large household)
or
- liquid waste may contain substances which could harm our public wastewater system.
This includes but is not limited to:
- food processing/retail premises
- process/manufacturing operations
- chemical processing/production
- waste management services
- service stations/car washes
- laundromats/dry cleaners
- leachate/landfill wastes.
If you already have consent but the characteristics of your liquid waste are changing, you will need to reapply for your consent.
Your trade waste consent will specify:
- the volume of wastewater you’re allowed to discharge
- the nature and characteristics of that discharge
- if any type of pre-treatment is required prior to discharging to our network
- any service and maintenance requirements on-site.
Not sure if you need a trade waste consent? Contact tradewaste@tauranga.govt.nz or phone 07 577 7000.
How is trade waste monitored
- regular inspection of premises
- sampling analysing and effluent discharge
- flow measurements
- maintenance and pre treatment devices
What happens if a business does not comply with its trade waste consent and by law?
- Consent could be revoked
- Prosecution under the local government act
Trade waste bylaw (214kb pdf)
How do I apply for trade waste consent?
You will need to apply via our web portal called Trade Waste ID. You will need to set up a log-in and then complete the application process.
Go to Trade Waste ID
For help with your application, or for more information, please email tradewaste@tauranga.govt.nz or phone 07 577 7000.
Trade waste consent approval process
Once you have applied online a Trade Waste Specialist will assess your application. You will be contacted if they need any further information or want to arrange an on-site inspection.
You may be required to install appropriate pre-treatment equipment and establish a monitoring and maintenance programme for your trade waste discharge before your consent is granted.
Once approved, your consent is valid for three years (unless changes are made to your trade waste and you need to reapply).
Trade waste fees
Council’s trade waste fees are set according to our Trade Waste Bylaw and are reviewed annually. The fees apply from 1 July to 30 June each financial year.
Trade waste fees
Trade waste Bylaw
Trade waste bylaw (214kb pdf)