Compliance with trade waste rules have improved steadily in South Taranaki over the last year with Council staff actively working alongside businesses to increase their understanding on the importance of discharging their trade waste properly.
STDC Trade Waste Officer Komal Devi says many businesses both large and small discharge contaminants like grease, fats and oils into the Council’s wastewater network.
“Large amounts of these contaminants in the system can cause major issues like sewer blockages and wastewater overflows, posing serious risks to public health and pollution of the environment as well as being expensive to get fixed,” says Komal.
To reduce the likelihood of this happening Council has been working extensively with local businesses to get the right equipment and processes implemented and compliant with a trade waste consent.
"So far over 70% of South Taranaki businesses which discharge trade waste are compliant with a valid consent and it’s great to see them doing their part,” says Komal.
A local business which has committed to complying with the South Taranaki trade waste standards is Yarrows the Bakers in Manaia.
Working closely with Houghton’s Plumbing, consultants, and the Council, Yarrows have improved their processes and practices to reduce water consumption and solids discharge, improving their trade waste discharge quality overall.
However, while there has been a vast improvement, Komal says the work is not yet complete.
"While it’s great that 70% have come on board and gained compliance, we’re still working on the last 30%. So if you think your business needs a trade waste consent, even if you’re not sure, just contact the Council and ask to speak with me. I’m here to help.”
