Greasy Waste Program
City West Water is actively pursuing a reduction in the quantity of oil and grease discharged to sewer through its Greasy Waste Program. Cooperation from all sectors in this regard will help reduce spills, save our customers the inconvenience of disrupted services and assist us in meeting our environmental obligations.
The Greasy Waste Program aims to provide Greasy Waste Consents for both new and existing commercial and small business customers, ranging from the large fast food chains, hotels, clubs, and functions centres to restaurants, butchers and smaller take-away food shops. These types of businesses produce a large proportion of the greasy wastewater that can cause blockages in the sewerage system.
Grease slips easily down the plug hole in a liquid or emulsified form but it can solidify as it cools and cause blockages in the sewerage system. This can result in a buildup in the system, leading to sewage overflows into the environment, households and businesses.
Under the Greasy Waste Program, all food preparation establishments are required to have a well-maintained, correctly-sized grease trap to trap fats and food particles before they enter the sewerage system. Grease traps require regular maintenance with a pump out at least once each three months. This must be done by a contractor licenced by the Environment Protection Authority. The grease is then recycled into soaps, waxes, soil conditioners and other products.
Sewerage system blockages caused by grease build up have reduced considerably since the introduction of the Greasy Waste Program in 1995.
Application for a Greasy Food Waste Consent is made via City West Water's .