We work with businesses and property owners to manage liquid trade waste and protect Broken Hill’s wastewater system. Find out whether your business needs approval, how to apply and what responsibilities apply to your property.

Trade waste charges start 1 December 2026. We are introducing fees and charges for businesses that discharge liquid trade waste into the Broken Hill wastewater system. Read ‘Trade waste fees and frequently asked questions’ for information about the initial fee, inspections and the transition period.

What is liquid trade waste?

Liquid trade waste is wastewater from business activities that differs from normal household wastewater, such as water from toilets, showers, baths and handwashing. Liquid trade waste can contain grease, oils, food particles, chemicals or other substances that need additional treatment, monitoring or management.

Businesses that may produce trade waste include cafés, restaurants, hairdressers, laundries, vehicle wash facilities, mechanical workshops and manufacturers. Some waste from caravan parks and pump-out toilets is also classified as trade waste.

Being classified as trade waste does not mean a substance can automatically be discharged into the sewer. Your discharge must meet the applicable requirements.

Why does trade waste need to be managed?

Managing trade waste helps protect public health, our people and the environment. It also protects pipes and treatment equipment, supports the reuse of treated wastewater and biosolids, and helps us manage treatment costs for our community.

Does my business need approval?

Contact us before you start discharging wastewater from business activities into our sewer system. We will confirm whether you need an application, pre-treatment equipment or other controls.

Where approval is required, you must receive written approval before discharging trade waste and enter into a Liquid Trade Waste Services Agreement. Our Trade Waste Policy also sets out exemptions for some activities. We can explain whether an exemption applies to your business and any conditions you must meet.

How to apply

Learn more about the application process, application form and submit an application for approval.

Pre-treatment and substances you cannot discharge

Pre-treatment removes or reduces contaminants before wastewater enters the sewer. Depending on your activities, you may need equipment such as sink screens, grease arrestors, oil separators or settlement pits. Our team will explain what is required.

Do not pour waste oils, fats, fuels, solvents, paints, strong chemicals, flammable liquids or unknown waste down the drain. Do not put solid waste into the sewer. Stormwater and unpolluted water must not enter the sewer system. Refer to our Trade Waste Policy for prohibited and restricted substances and discharge limits.

Policies, forms and charges

• Trade Waste Policy: Water: Discharge of Liquid Trade Waste (CEOM7046) sets out approval requirements, exemptions, discharge standards and customer responsibilities.
• Trade Waste application provides application information and forms.
• Schedule of Water and Sewerage Charges provides the published charges for the current financial year.
• Trade waste fees and frequently asked questions explains the new charging arrangements for affected customers.