Trade Waste

Trade waste is commercial and industrial liquid waste that is discharged into our wastewater network. Some contaminants can be harmful if they are not removed before they enter the network. For example, fat from commercial kitchens can block drains and toxic substances can be dangerous to the environment as well as to people and animals. 

Trade waste doesn’t include domestic wastewater from toilets or bathrooms. It can come from a range of businesses and industries, including, but not limited to food processors, cafes, dentists, laundries, hairdressers, service stations and many others. 

We need to manage trade waste to protect the environment and our wastewater network, to comply with resource consent conditions, and to ensure that businesses generating trade waste contribute fairly to the cost of its treatment and disposal. 

Any trade waste discharge to our wastewater network must comply with trade waste regulations. We made some changes to these regulations in the Local Waters Combined Bylaw, which was adopted on 14 May 2025. 

What do I have to do? 

Register 

Anyone who operates a business or organisation at a trade premises within the Horowhenua District will need to register with Council on our Register for Trade Waste Customer page. This applies even to businesses which are not connected to the council wastewater network. We will assess the type and volume of trade waste (if any) that your business is discharging. Depending on how the business is classified a trade waste consent might be needed. 

Classifications of Trade Waste 

Trade waste discharges will be classified into one of the following categories according to the risk they present to the wastewater and stormwater networks and to the environment: 

Permitted – low or no risk

If your business' trade waste is assessed as permitted, you won't need a trade waste consent. This will apply to many businesses such as professional offices or shops without commercial kitchens. 

Conditional – potential or actual risk 

If your business’ trade waste is assessed as conditional, you will need to apply for a trade waste consent, which will set conditions around the treatment and discharge of trade waste. This category will apply to many businesses, for example food or automotive.  

Prohibited – high risk  

You must not discharge prohibited trade waste into the wastewater and stormwater network. If your business’ trade waste is assessed as prohibited, you will need to provide a Trade Waste Management Plan and a Stormwater Drainage Protection Plan outlining how the prohibited discharge or contaminants are managed. 

Trade Waste Consents  

A trade waste consent is an agreement between Council and the owners/occupiers of a business premise discharging trade waste.