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PLUMBING & TRADE WASTE

Manage trade waste according to environmental limits

Plumbing

Installing New Plumbing or Renovating Your Bathroom?

You may need to lodge a Plumbing Application. Download our Plumbing Application Checklist to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork. Access the required plumbing forms on the Queensland Government Department of Housing and Public Works webpage.

Please note: Cook Shire Council processes all plumbing applications under the mandatory standard application process, following a resolution at an Ordinary Council Meeting on 25 November 2019.

Trade Waste

Trade waste is the liquid waste generated from industry, business, trade, or manufacturing processes (excluding human waste or prohibited substances). All discharges must comply with the Sewer Admission Limits set out in our Trade Waste Environmental Management Plan.

Trade Waste Discharge

Trade waste should not be released into Council’s sewers unless the premises owner holds a valid trade waste permit.

Impact of Improper Discharge

Discharging trade waste into Council’s sewer system can strain infrastructure and cause a number of health and environmental risks:

  • Health risks to water treatment staff
  • Damage to sewer infrastructure, leading to additional costs for residents
  • Disruption of biological processes at treatment plants
  • Accumulation of biosolids, rendering them unusable
  • Environmental contamination from untreated waste passing through the plant
Determining Trade Waste Discharge

If your business discharges any non-domestic waste to Council’s sewer, you may require a trade waste permit.

Applying for Trade Waste Approval

You must apply for trade waste approval if your business:

  • Changes property ownership, business ownership, or lease
  • Alters operating practices
  • Modifies methods of trade waste disposal
Compliance and Penalties

Discharging trade waste to Council’s sewer without approval is an offence and relevant fees and charges will apply.

Trade Waste Permit Renewal

If registered for trade waste discharge, you will receive a renewal notice and form before your permit expires. Permits are valid for 12 months and require renewal fees as per Council’s schedule, which includes an inspection.

Further Information

For more details, refer to Council’s Trade Waste Pre-Treatment Guidelines and Trade Waste Environmental Management Plan. Contact Council’s Plumbing Inspector at 07 4082 0500 for assistance.

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    Trade Waste Environmental Management Plan

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    Trade Waste Application Form

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    Fees & Charges