Trade waste

Photo shows stormwater grate on roadside with picture of fish and words: Dump no waste. Drains to river.

There are restrictions on what kind of trade waste can go into the wastewater system. If you're a business producing trade waste, you will need to apply to Council for consent.

Trade waste is the liquid waste businesses discharge into the wastewater system. Trade waste can contain substances which are detrimental to the sewage system, treatment plant processes and the environment, and to the health and safety of people working in wastewater plants.

Applying for trade waste consent

If your business discharges wastewater into the sewer, you may need to apply for trade waste consent. The application process is straightforward, and here are the steps to guide you through it.

Step 1.Determine the appropriate application

We have three categories of trade waste consent.

Step 3.Send your application to our trade waste department

  • Postal address: Trade Waste Compliance Officer | Private Bag 11034 | Palmerston North 4442
  • Email address: trade.waste@pncc.govt.nz

Consent to discharge tankered waste

If you business plans to discharge tankered waste at Palmerston North City Council's wastewater treatment plant, you will need to apply for a consent.

Download the application form(PDF, 168KB)

Why we manage trade waste discharge

  • to protect the health and safety of all people working in the wastewater system
  • to protect waterways from harmful and toxic substances
  • to encourage waste minimisation, water conservation and cleaner production
  • to help meet national regulations and standards

Examples of affected businesses

  • food, chemical and industrial manufacturers
  • laundries and drycleaners
  • dentists
  • food premises
  • GP surgeries, medical and veterinary centres
  • hairdressers, barbers, pet groomers
  • hospitals, nursing homes and rest homes
  • liquid waste contractors
  • printers
  • mechanical workshops

Grease trap consents

Grease buildup is a major contributor to the reduction in the capacity of the city's sewers and can cause blockages in the network. Grease and oils are also extremely difficult to process at the treatment plant. This is why fats, grease and oil must be prevented from entering the wastewater system.

New Zealand Building Code requirements

  • Grease traps will be provided in non-residential buildings where wastewater is likely to contain grease
  • All food premises that prepare food for sale will have a suitable grease trap for the volume of waste discharged and hold a grease trap consent that is renewed annually.

For more information about grease trap design and consents, contact us on 06 356 8199.

Code-compliant operators

These businesses are certified as fully compliant liquid and hazardous waste contractors:

  • Active Tank Cleaning Ltd
  • Environment First Ltd
  • Gecko Ltd
  • Pedley Slurry Services Ltd
  • Pump It Manawatū Ltd

Trade Waste Bylaw

The Local Government Act empowers councils to make a Trade Waste Bylaw. Palmerston North City Council has a Trade Waste Bylaw which sets out the conditions under which the council accepts discharge of trade waste into the wastewater system.