Do I Need a Trade Waste Permit or Consent Agreement?

If you own a business - big or small - you may need a trade waste permit or consent agreement.

The owner or managing agent of a business generating trade wastewater has a legal obligation to ensure the business obtains permission to discharge trade wastewater to the wastewater system. If your business does not comply with the guidelines set out in the permit or consent agreement then the wastewater connection for your business could be disconnected.

Under Section 49 of the Sydney Water Act,1994 it is an offence to discharge any substance into a Sydney Water wastewater system without the corporation's written agreement.

Sydney Water has three types of trade wastewater customers, depending on the type of business being operated.

Step One

Who are trade wastewater customers, and what special requirements do they need to meet (trade waste processes)? (PDF - 81KB)

Step Two

After determining what type of customer you are, click on the relevant link below to find out how to meet your trade wastewater obligations.

Deemed customers have deemed processes, which discharge small quantities of trade wastewater to wastewater system.

Commercial customers have standard commercial processes and require a formal Commercial Trade Wastewater Permit.

Industrial customers require a formal consent agreement with Sydney Water.

Sydney Water residential customers do not need a trade waste agreement.