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.

What is Trade Waste Consents?

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

The consent will set out conditions such as:

  • The nature and characteristics of the discharge

  • The type of pre-treatment required before discharge

  • Service and maintenance requirements of pre-treatment equipment

If we assess your business as needing a trade waste consent, we will send you the appropriate application form.

Fees and charges

Under the Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025, Horowhenua District Council may charge fees for the administration and management of Trade Waste discharges to the public wastewater network. 

Businesses and organisations that discharge Trade Waste to Council's wastewater system may be required to hold a Trade Waste Consent. 

There is no charge to register your business with Council. 

If your business requires a Trade Waste Consent, an application fee applies. However, Council has waived this fee for applications submitted between 1 July and 31 December 2025. 

Depending on the nature and volume of your discharge, additional Trade Waste discharge charges may also apply. 

Annual Trade Waste Fee 

From 2026, Council has introduced an annual Trade Waste fee for businesses that have been assessed as conditional, meaning your businesses’ Trade Waste discharge poses a potential or actual risk to the Council Wastewater Network, Council Stormwater network, or the environment and you will require a consent.   

This fee contributes to cover the costs of: 

  • Managing Trade Waste into the wastewater network  
  • Monitoring compliance  
  • Protecting the wastewater network and treatment infrastructure 
  • Supporting the safe treatment and disposal of wastewater 
  • Ensuring discharges meet environmental and public health requirements 

Current fees and charges are available on our Fees and Charges Schedule: Wastewater - Fees & Charges page

Register as a Trade Waste Customer

You need to complete this form if you operate a business or organisation at trade premises within the Horowhenua District. The information provided will be used to assess whether the wastewater discharge from your business activities classifies as trade waste.

Food businesses and trade waste

Restaurants, cafes, takeaways shops and other food businesses produce wastewater containing fats, oils, grease and solids which can cause issues in our sewer systems. To ensure that the environment, community and infrastructure are protected Council has rules about how food businesses can discharge their wastewater.

Apply for a Trade Waste Consent - Food Business

If your business is registered as a food premises in the Horowhenua District, for example a restaurant, cafe, takeaway shop, you need a apply for a trade waste consent.

Apply for a Trade Waste Consent - Automotive Industry

If you have registered an automotive business at a trade premises in the Horowhenua District you will need to apply for a trade waste consent.

Apply for a Conditional Trade Waste Consent

If your business is not a Food business or Automotive business, and your trade waste doesn’t fully meet the permitted criteria, you may need a Conditional Trade Waste Consent.

Further information

If you have any questions or need help filling out your registration form or trade waste consent application form, please contact us at enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz or call 06 366 0999. We will be happy to assist.

Back to top