You must have a trade effluent consent or agreement if you: discharge trade effluent into a public foul sewer. discharge any surface water run-off from oil-contaminated hard surfaces or wash substances such as oils, chemicals, food, inks or powders into a public foul sewer.

What is a trade effluent permit?

This means if your business discharges any liquids to the public sewer system that is not considered domestic waste (e.g. toilets) or rainwater (e.g. roof drainage) then you are producing trade effluent and you may need a permit from your local authority.

What is a trade effluent charge?

Trade effluent charges. Trade effluent charges apply to businesses with a consent to discharge. These charges relate to the cost of using the sewer network and treatment at the sewage works. Charges vary depending on the wholesaler area and the volume and strength of trade effluent discharged.