Trade waste

Trade waste is commercial and industrial liquid waste that is discharged into our wastewater network for treatment. Problem substances can be harmful if they are not removed before they enter the network.

Trade waste does not include wastewater from toilets or bathrooms (domestic wastewater).

Typical industries, trades and businesses include: food processors, restaurants, cafes, hospitals, dentists, laundries, hairdressers, metal finishers, service stations, freezing works, ships. For a more comprehensive list, see the Auckland Trade Waste Bylaw 2013: Schedule 1 and Schedule 2.

It is important to manage trade wastewater correctly, to prevent:

• sewer blockages or spills

• damage to the wastewater system

• health hazards for people

• harm to the environment.

We work with business customers to identify their level of risk, to help them understand their obligations and to assist them to comply at the lowest possible cost.

We also make regular site visits to monitor our customers, networks and treatment plants.

What are the requirements for my business?

The requirements you need to meet will vary depending on how your business activity is classified: deemed or conditional. Check your classification.

Deemed: If your business activity is low risk, e.g. a lawyer’s office, your business activity will be classified as deemed. You do not need a trade waste agreement.

Conditional: If you discharge liquid waste that is classified as conditional, you need a trade waste agreement. Learn more: Trade waste agreements

Whether your waste is either deemed or conditional, you must comply with:

• Auckland Trade Waste Bylaw 2013
  These are the region-wide rules for the management, regulation and risk classification of trade waste. Download the bylaw

• Controlled substance standards
  These standards set out the limits on the concentrations of commonly controlled substances that may be in trade waste entering the public wastewater system. Download the standards

If you are discharging wastewater that is classified as conditional, you will need an agreement with us. This will set out the controls and monitoring we require to be in place, to assure us that your trade waste discharge is safe to receive into our wastewater network.

Learn about trade waste agreements

Apply for an agreement

If your waste is classified as deemed, you don't need an agreement.

Most conditional trade waste customers will be required to monitor their waste discharge and give us the results to show they comply. Your trade waste agreement sets out the details of self-monitoring. Learn more: Monitoring trade waste