What is trade wastewater?

According to the NSW Government Environment and Heritage website, it is the wastewater from dry cleaning operations or any water contaminated as a result of a business activity. Wastewater from businesses may contain pollutants such as:
  • chlorinated hydrocarbons
  • suspended solids
  • grease and,
  • other chemicals
The NSW Government states that trade wastewater does not include the wastes from toilets, non-commercial kitchen or washing facilities.

The volume of trade wastewater from individual dry cleaning premises is very low, but the combination of all dry cleaning operations discharging chlorinated hydrocarbons to sewer systems is significant and must be minimised at source.

This is where the trade wastewater scheme comes in*

Using Sydney NSW as an example, the Sydney Water Corporation's Trade Waste Policy and Management Plan 2001 allows dry cleaning operations to discharge trade wastewater to the sewer without requiring an individual written permit. This allowance is subject to meeting certain specified requirements.

The NSW Government states that trade wastewater generated from dry cleaning processes must pass through a suitable solvent recovery unit prior to being discharged to the sewer. The operator must have a suitable trade wastewater maintenance program and records in place that demonstrates regular maintenance.

What can I do to reduce my trade wastewater?
CST Wastewater Solutions  services division specialises in the design, construction and provision of wastewater solutions for the treatment and recycling of industrial wastewater.

Its partnership with Global Water means they are able to offer clients with the latest water and wastewater treatment technology.

All equipment is manufactured in Australia and Europe to comply with ISO 9001 and EEC standards of safety and design.

CST Wastewater Solutions supply a complete range of water and wastewater treatment equipment:
  • Water and Wastewater Screening
  • Grit Removal and Dewatering
  • Septic Receival Stations
  • Dissolved Air Flotation
  • Clarifiers and sedimentation Systems
  • Shaftless Conveyors
  • Sludge Dewatering
  • Lime Handling and Silo Systems
  • Continuous Sand Filters
  • Microfilters and Screens
  • UV Disinfection
  • Ozone Generation
  • Anaerobic Treatment
  • Biogas Reuse
*Australian states all have its own trade water scheme management plan in place, therefore, it is recommended that you contact them directly for more information. Trade waste officers can provide advice on your wastewater requirements and any applicable fines or prosecution for any illegal discharges to the sewer which might result in disconnection  from the sewer system.