Trade waste is the licensed industrial and commercial trade waste discharged to the wastewater system.

Effective management of trade waste is essential to protect SA Water’s sewers and wastewater treatment plants, our employees, the community and the environment.

Relevant Acts which guide the management of trade waste in South Australia are:

• Dangerous Substances Act 1979 - AS1216.1- Classifies Class 3, 6 and 8 hazardous substances.
• Waterworks Act 1932 - All non-residential users of mains water protect it from potential contamination through backflow in compliance with this Act.
• Sewerage Act 1929 - generators of trade waste discharge wastewaters to SA Water’s sewerage system in compliance with this Act.
• Environment Protection Act 1993 - All wastewaters discharged to the sewer must comply with SA Water’s Standards of acceptance of liquid waste to sewer -Waste not meeting these standards must be contained and removed by a licensed waste contractor, pursuant to this Act, for off site treatment.
• Australian Dangerous Goods Code - Sets out technical requirements and guidelines for the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail and is implemented by State and Territory legislation.
• Sewerage Regulations 1996 - Defines design, material and work standards and include maintenance, protection and charges.
• National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) - Defines a framework that outlines standards for water quality nation-wide.