VIC · Yarra Valley Water / City West Water / South East Water
Grease trap compliance in Victoria
Victorian metro retailers issue trade waste consents that specify pump-out schedules. Yarra Valley Water audits regularly. Operating without a current consent or exceeding the pump-out interval can attract penalties up to $9,800 plus daily continuing-offence fines.
Regulator
Yarra Valley Water / City West Water / South East Water
Maximum fine
$9,800
Governing act
Water Act 1989 (Vic), Trade Waste Agreement
Who needs a trade waste consent?
Every commercial food premises in Victoria that connects to the sewer through a grease trap — cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, food courts, aged care kitchens, school canteens, and any commercial kitchen producing FOG. New venues need consent before opening.
What does Yarra Valley Water / City West Water / South East Water actually require?
- A trade waste consent or agreement specific to the premises
- Pump-out at the schedule listed on that consent (usually monthly to quarterly)
- A licensed waste transporter to remove the contents
- A waste transport certificate kept on file for each clean
- Maintenance records available during audits
What happens if you miss a clean?
On-the-spot fines up to $9,800, plus potential disconnection of trade waste discharge. If your trap overflows into the council drain, expect the EHO and a costly emergency clean (often 3–4× a scheduled price).
How to stay compliant without thinking about it
Set up a recurring contract with a licensed contractor. Most contractors on our network quote a fixed per-clean price on 1, 2, 3, or 6-month cycles. They diary it, they show up, you sign the docket. That's it.
Get 3 quotes — Victoria
Free for venues. Three Wastesafe contractors quote your job, typically same business day.