The following information should be considered to aid with the reduction of the trade waste being discharged to your sewer. It can also be used to maintain the existing high standards in the discharge quality if they have already been reached.

Explanations of terms:

• Insoluble solids: Non-Filterable Residue (NFR).
• Organic matter: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
• Oily or grease residue: Total Oil and Grease (TOG).
• Combined inorganic and organic matter: Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD).

Consider before checking your liquid and solid waste management strategy:

Is it possible to wipe all utensils such as plates, pots and pans, trays, cutlery and mixing bowls thoroughly with a paper towel prior to washing?

By doing this, food scraps and grease residue will be removed. This will aid in lowering the concentration levels of insoluble solids, organic matter and oily or grease residue.

Additionally, by ensuring strainers are fitted to all sink outlets and floor waste drains, the solids loading can be further reduced.

Are old or unwanted cooking oils collected and poured into a recycling drum?

This will achieve a further reduction in the discharge concentration levels of NFR and TOG.

Can the use of cooking oils and cleaning products be reduced?

A reduction in TOG as well as combined inorganic and organic matter can be achieved.

Is a procedure in place to ensure the disposal of items such as sugar, coffee grounds, tea leaves or gravy are not flushed through the grease arrestor into the sewer?

These items should be collected and disposed of in the solid waste bin. An expected reduction NFR and BOD should result.

Is the use of washing detergents and cleaning chemicals mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations?

This will achieve a reduction in COD. Also look for alternative products to those containing phosphates.

Is the grease arrestor being serviced in accordance with the trade waste approval issued by Allconnex Water?

To ensure the continued maintenance of the arrestor a contract to service the arrestor should be arranged with a licensed liquid waste contractor.

The grease arrestor service should be supervised by your staff when possible. This supervision will ensure the contractor is scraping away the grease and fat build up on the walls of the arrestor and is removing all of its contents.

There will be a noticeable reduction of NFR, TOG, BOD and COD from entering the sewerage system resulting in lower trade waste treatment charges.

Is a solid waste management plan in place?

Provide sufficient rubbish bins in or near work areas and place signage in key locations to prompt staff to follow the management plan. You will achieve a reduction in solids NFR, and organic matter BOD.