I-CARE Automotive

TRADE WASTEWATER

Do not discard trade wastewater into stormwater drains

Trade wastewater is stormwater that has been contaminated by oils and other grease residues. Trade wastewater cannot be discharged to stormwater drains. To reduce the volume of trade wastewater generated at your worksite, consider a stormwater diversion system around your site to reduce the risk of contamination.

If you have a high risk of oil and grease residue on your site, your runoff will need to go through a triple interceptor before it can be discharged offsite into a sewer.

Alternatively, you can collect the wastewater onsite and employ an appropriately permitted transporter to remove the water and dispose of properly. The residue from the triple interceptors is categorised as priority waste and should be disposed of accordingly. If you use the services of a waste contractor, ensure you maintain records of all transactions, including invoices.

Trade wastewater generated on your site is considered a priority waste and can be managed through:

  • A trade wastewater agreement with your local water authority.
  • An appropriately permitted transporter who will remove solids, oil and/or water from your site and dispose of it appropriately.

You can enter into a trade wastewater agreement with your local water authority, that will allow you to discharge the wastewater that has gone through a triple interceptor system, into the sewer. Contact your

Triple interceptors and oil/water separator

Triple interceptors and oil/water separators are devices that can be used to filter off any oils and hydrocarbons such as fuel and solids from water. Triple interceptors work on the theory that oils and other hydrocarbons float on water, while solids would sink to the bottom.

Clean and maintain these devices regularly to ensure that they perform well.

Maintain documentation that details the procedures to follow when cleaning and maintaining the devices.

Implement a maintenance and cleaning schedule and assign staff for the duties.

What is appropriate disposal of waste?

It is a requirement to ensure that your waste is taken to a place that is lawfully authorised to receive it.

Waste should be collected by an appropriately permitted transporter and taken to a lawful place (i.e. a location authorised to receive that waste).

The generator/owner, transporter and receiver of the waste have obligations under legislation and significant penalties apply if there is an offence.

How do you know which wastes should go where?

EPA provides information on determining how you can dispose of each type of waste.

Please visit the waste  section on the EPA website for more information.