A grease trap is designed to prevent fats, oils, grease and solids from entering and blocking the sewer system.
The device slows the flow rate of grease in wastewater, allowing the waste to float to the surface and solids to settle at the bottom.
Regular pump-outs prevent blockages occurring in our sewer system and your property's sewer pipes.
Who needs a grease trap
If your business is food-related, you might need to have a grease trap in place before you start operating.
Only a licensed plumber can install an appropriately sized and constructed grease trap.
The size of your grease trap is generally based on how much liquid waste goes down the drain every hour.
To help you determine if you need a grease trap and its size, use our grease trap sizing guide. You'll need to use this guide when you apply for a trade waste agreement or consent. Our trade waste team will confirm the size of your grease trap when processing your agreement/consent.
After you receive your trade waste agreement, check with your local council on the proposed location for the grease trap.
If you have a small space or concerns about the size or placement of your grease trap, email trade.waste@gww.com.au or call 13 44 99.
You'll need to organise installation quotes from licensed plumbers. Your chosen installation professional should have appropriate plumbing approvals from us before they start work.
Disconnecting your grease trap
Find out how to permanently disconnect your grease trap from the sewer by reading the fact sheet below.
It is your responsibility to organise for an EPA-licensed liquid waste collector to pump out the grease trap at the frequency specified in your trade waste agreement. Typically, grease traps need to be pumped out every three months.
If you fail to pump out your grease trap at the required frequency, you may be subject to our non-compliance process. This could see you incur costs due to the time required for Greater Western Water to ensure that the pump out of your grease trap has occurred.
EPA-licensed liquid waste collectors
EPA licensed liquid waste collectors can be found under 'waste reduction and disposal services' in your local business directory.
The following waste collectors operate in our service area.
Note: Greater Western Water is not affiliated/does not endorse these waste collectors