Grease trap compliance in New South Wales

Who needs a trade waste consent?

Every commercial food premises in New South Wales that connects to the sewer through a grease trap — cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, food courts, aged care kitchens, school canteens, and any commercial kitchen producing FOG. New venues need consent before opening.

What does Sydney Water actually require?

• A trade waste consent or agreement specific to the premises
• Pump-out at the schedule listed on that consent (usually monthly to quarterly)
• A licensed waste transporter to remove the contents
• A waste transport certificate kept on file for each clean
• Maintenance records available during audits

What happens if you miss a clean?

On-the-spot fines up to $11,000, plus potential disconnection of trade waste discharge. If your trap overflows into the council drain, expect the EHO and a costly emergency clean (often 3–4× a scheduled price).

How to stay compliant without thinking about it

Set up a recurring contract with a licensed contractor. Most contractors on our network quote a fixed per-clean price on 1, 2, 3, or 6-month cycles. They diary it, they show up, you sign the docket. That's it.