Trade waste

Trade waste is industrial and commercial wastewater that is sent through the sewers for treatment.

Only trade waste that complies with specific guidelines can be discharged into the sewerage system.

The Customer Charter – Trade Waste sets out the rights and obligations of both Lower Murray Water and our customers in relation to trade waste services.

Apply to discharge trade waste

To apply to discharge minor or major trade waste, complete a Trade Waste Application.

You will need to include information about:

• plumbing fixtures
• industrial chemicals
• pre-treatment facilities.

You must also meet our trade waste acceptance criteria.

There is no application fee.

Submit your application:

• by email – scan the completed application form and email to wqt@lmw.vic.gov.au
• by mail – to our Mildura postal address
• in person – at our Mildura office during opening hours.

To pay the fee by credit card, contact us. We can’t process your application until the fee has been paid.

Depending on the nature of your trade waste, we may need more detailed information. In this case, we will contact you.

Trade waste categories

There are 2 main categories of trade waste. The type and volume of wastewater we need to treat determines your costs and responsibilities.

Minor trade waste

Minor trade waste is from businesses that discharge relatively small volumes of wastewater into the sewer – for example, hotels, restaurants, take away food businesses, laundries and car washes.

Minor trade waste customers need a Consent to Discharge Trade Waste. They are charged an annual fee that is incorporated into their quarterly bill.

Minor Trade Waste Charge is $79.44 per unit per annum, where applicable.

Miscellaneous minor trade waste charge $1.0446/kL.

Septic tank effluent disposal $7.39 per ML.

Major trade waste

Major trade waste is from businesses that discharge large volumes of wastewater into the sewer, generally more than 1,000 kilolitres (kL) per year – for example, fruit and vegetable processing, fruit packing, abattoir, and winery operations.

Major trade waste customers are required to sign a Trade Waste Agreement with us. They are charged on a quarterly basis based on the organic load, calculated using the COD (chemical oxygen demand), suspended solids, sodium and hydraulic loadings in their wastewater.

An establishment fee per megalitre (ML) also applies.

Pre-treatment

Minor and major trade waste businesses must have appropriate pre-treatment facilities to treat wastewater to meet our guidelines. For example, a grease interceptor, petrol and oil interceptor, silt trap or acid neutralising tank.

You can contact us for advice.