Trade waste is liquid waste from commercial or industrial activities that flows into our public wastewater network.

Fats, oils, and chemicals from restaurants, laundromats, service stations, and workshops can all make their way into the wastewater network and damage and block pipes, causing wastewater overflows.

Managing this waste is crucial to keep our environment clean, protect public health, and maintain the infrastructure we all rely on.

At Wellington Water, we're here to make sure trade waste is managed in a way that keeps our environment safe. We do this through:

1. Helping businesses do the right thing: We work with businesses to raise awareness about the impact of improper waste disposal. Our educational resources, multilingual guides, and training sessions help businesses understand the best ways to manage their waste.

2. Keeping an eye on things: Regular inspections and monitoring help us ensure businesses are following the rules set out in the Wellington City Trade Waste Bylaw. We check grease traps, take water samples, and work to prevent nasty surprises like sewer blockages and overflows—especially near our beautiful harbours.

3. Taking action when needed: If a business isn’t meeting the standards, we’re here to guide them on how to improve. When necessary, we enforce penalties to ensure compliance. This balanced approach has reduced non-compliance, helping to protect our environment and reduce costs for ratepayers.

Our goal is simple: protect Wellington’s waterways, reduce the risk of sewer issues, and support a sustainable future for our communities.

How can you help at home?

While trade waste comes from businesses, there are things we do at home that can block up our pipes too. When we flush things we shouldn't down the toilet, or pour oil down the drain, they can create fatbergs.

Fatbergs are large, solid masses that form in wastewater pipes when fats, oils, grease, and non-flushable items combine. They cause serious blockages and can lead to sewer overflows. Here’s what you can do at home to help prevent them:

Dos

Wipe greasy pots, pans, and dishes with a paper towel before washing.
Pour cooled fats and oils into a container, then dispose of it in the rubbish bin.
Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and dispose of them in the compost or bin.
Dispose of wet wipes, sanitary products, and nappies in the rubbish, not down the toilet.
Educate your household about what can and can’t go down the drain.

Don'ts

Pour cooking oil, fat, or grease down the sink or toilet.
Flush wet wipes, even if they’re labeled ‘flushable’.
Put food scraps, coffee grounds, or tea leaves down the drain.
Rinse greasy pans with hot water, thinking it will wash the grease away—it just moves the problem further down the pipes.