TRADE WASTE POLICY

Industrial and commercial waste, also known as trade waste, is essentially the liquid waste from any non-domestic source.

Without appropriate control strategies, this waste poses risks to Barwon Water employees, the sewerage system, treatment processes and the environment.

A trade waste by-law has been enacted to minimise these risks. It requires all dischargers of trade waste to enter into agreements with Barwon Water. Barwon Water is committed to working co-operatively with these customers to achieve the desired outcomes. Discharges are monitored and inspected to ensure compliance.

Barwon Water advocates the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) industrial waste minimisation initiative and the "cradle-to-grave" philosophy. It encourages waste avoidance, reduction, recycling, treatment and disposal.

Barwon Water also supports the Victorian Government’s Industrial Waste Strategy and Industrial Waste Management Policy, which are aimed at protecting the environment and promoting ecologically sustainable industry. This requires a partnership between the EPA, trade waste generators and Barwon Water.

As a further incentive for trade waste minimisation, Barwon Water has adopted a quality and quantity charging system for trade waste it can safely and reliably transport and treat. These charges assist in recovering the cost of Barwon Water’s service to trade waste customers.

Barwon Water's trade waste standards are set to protect the environment, employee and public health, the sewerage system and the treatment processes.

Barwon Water's current trade waste policy and by-law are constantly reviewed to improve flexibility and ensure effective waste management practices and pollution control technologies are used. Acceptance standards will be revised and agreement conditions and pricing will continue to be optimised to meet the objectives of Barwon Water and the requirements of customers.

In addition, an intensive backlog program has been undertaken to ensure all relevant commercial premises have trade waste agreements with Barwon Water. It is imperative Barwon Water has accurate records detailing the components of waste that are discharged to the sewerage network, and an up-to-date register of companies discharging to the system.

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