An improved approach to managing trade waste from businesses across the Mount Barker district is expected to deliver environmental and cost benefits for the local community.
The Mount Barker District Council has strengthened its Trade Waste Policy to minimise the amount of harmful waste entering the wastewater network and potentially flowing on to the local environment.
The updated Trade Waste Policy came into effect on 1 July 2021 and council’s wastewater and compliance teams are working with local businesses to improve onsite pre-treatment and reduce non-compliant trade waste discharges into its wastewater network.
Under the Water Industry Act 2012, individuals or businesses cannot discharge anything other than domestic wastewater into sewerage infrastructure without a formal approval from the water entity – in this case council. Penalties of up to $25,000 can apply.
Council is taking a proactive approach to address the problem over the next 12 months, launching a new education campaign and encouraging business owners to collaborate with council to increase their compliance.
Businesses which continue to discharge non-compliant trade waste will face higher discharge fees to cover the higher costs associated with treating the waste and – in extreme cases – could have their access to Council’s wastewater network cut off.
The measures aim to reduce the risk of damage to council’s wastewater infrastructure, improve safety for staff and the public, and minimise environmental harm.
For more information visit: www.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/infrastructure/water/trade-waste
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