What is trade waste?
Trade waste is commercial and industrial liquid waste that is discharged into a wastewater network for treatment. The organisation that discharges the waste water is responsible for it. Although councils around New Zealand have different methods of handling trade waste, one thing remains the same: the water needs to go somewhere.
Why should I care about trade waste?
While stormwater usually goes directly into New Zealand’s waterways, trade waste needs to be treated first before being discharged. This is a significant cost to council - especially when trade waste isn’t properly handled before entering a wastewater network. Problem substances can be harmful if they are not removed before they enter the network.
In New Zealand, we use significant amounts of water. Being an agricultural country, water is vital for our economy. Water is also something we too often take for granted. The fact that we can turn on a tap any time and enjoy free-flowing water means it is something we often take for granted. We forget that water is a finite resource. Right now we are not doing enough to ensure our water is going to remain clean and free for the future.
Trade waste can also be costly - and not just for our health and the environment. As many organisations know, trade waste costs often vary depending on how much you produce. This is outlined in regions Trade Waste bylaws. Fines for not being compliant to trade waste bylaws can reach $10,000 - a costly mistake. Pollution prevention pays off for everyone.
Can I prevent trade waste?
Probably not. For many businesses, trade waste is a necessary evil. Often it’s just not feasible to cut trade waste entirely.
What you can do is treat your trade waste before it reaches the wastewater network and comply with trade waste bylaws.
Water and oil - they don’t mix.
If you work in a kitchen, you are probably well aware that water and oil don’t mix. Ever tried to extinguish an oily pan with a tub of water? Huge mistake.
Similarly, water and oil don’t mix in waterways. Fats, oils and grease are common ingredients in commercial kitchens. Even though you know not to tip these down the sink, you may carelessly mop them down your floors drainage system. Solid strainers make a world of difference in separating these from water.
Passive pre-treatment solutions
Pre-treatment trade waste solutions do so much more than help your business achieve compliance. These solutions also play a major part in helping keep New Zealand’s waterways clean.
The major cost in wastewater treatment isn’t handling the water. It is separating problem substances from the water. If every organisation employed passive pre-treatment solutions, it would save thousands and create a cleaner future for everyone.
By complying with trade waste bylaws, you can rest assured your organisation is doing its part to protect public health and safety, protect the environment and ensure you are treasuring one of our most valuable resources.
Want to do your part at reducing harmful trade waste and become compliant? Get in touch to discuss how we can help.