Trade Waste & Grease Traps

The front of a red car in a commercial car wash bay

Commercial Kitchens, Cafés And Truck Washes

O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Coopers Plains provides professional grease trap and trade waste services for commercial kitchens, restaurants, cafés, food businesses and truck washes across South East Queensland.

Our work keeps your system fully compliant with Queensland plumbing codes, trade waste regulations, and local council requirements.

Grease trap issues can quickly impact your business operations. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to respond quickly and resolve problems with minimal disruption.

Call Us Today Contact Us

Grease Trap Installations & Servicing

Whether you’re installing a new grease trap, upgrading an existing system, or need urgent servicing, our licensed team is ready to help with fast, reliable solutions.

Grease trap installations and system upgrades
Trade waste system repairs and maintenance
Clearing blocked or overflowing grease traps
Routine servicing to prevent build-up and downtime
Council compliance, approvals, and reporting
Emergency repairs and inspections

We ensure your grease trap system operates efficiently, meets all compliance requirements, and supports the smooth running of your business.

Trade Waste In Your Business

What counts as trade waste, and what has to happen to it before it reaches the sewer, depends on the site.

Trade Waste In A Food Business

Trade waste, in the context of food businesses, refers to wastewater containing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) generated from kitchen activities like cooking and dishwashing.

Any water used in food preparation, cooking, or cleaning that goes down the drain is considered trade waste.

Trade Waste In A Truck Or Car Wash

Truck washes generate trade waste due to the nature of their operations. This waste can contain various contaminants like oils, grease, dirt, and detergents. Discharging this untreated wastewater directly into the sewer system can cause blockages, damage infrastructure, and pollute the environment.

To mitigate these issues, truck washes need to implement pre-treatment systems before discharging wastewater. These systems aim to remove or reduce harmful substances to acceptable levels as defined by local water authorities.

Grease Traps And Oil/Water Separators

Grease traps, also known as grease interceptors, are plumbing devices installed in food service businesses to capture fats, oils and grease before they enter the sewer system.

They are specifically designed to separate FOG from wastewater. They work by slowing down the flow of wastewater, allowing FOG to cool and solidify or float to the surface, where it’s trapped. The cleaner water is then discharged into the sewer system.

In addition to grease traps, truck washes may also require oil/water separators. These devices are designed to separate oils and other hydrocarbons from water, preventing them from entering the sewer.

A grease trap connected to white pipework beside a building

Discharging fats, oils and grease into the sewer causes significant problems.

This applies to any site putting trade waste down the drain, from a café kitchen to a truck wash bay.

Blockages, overflows and odours as FOG solidifies in pipes
Damage to the sewer infrastructure
Environmental pollution as untreated FOG contaminates waterways
Council fines and costly downtime

Permits, Compliance & Regulations

Trade Waste Permits and Agreements

Businesses generating trade waste, including truck washes, typically need to obtain a trade waste permit or agreement from their local water authority. These permits outline the specific requirements for pre-treatment, discharge limits, and monitoring.

Compliance and Maintenance

Maintaining the pre-treatment systems, including grease traps and oil/water separators, is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness and compliance with regulations. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to remove accumulated FOG and solids.

Local Regulations

Specific requirements for trade waste management, including the type and capacity of pre-treatment systems, can vary between locations. It’s important for truck wash operators to consult with their local water authority or council to understand the specific regulations applicable to their area.

Areas We Service

We proudly service Coopers Plains and the surrounding Brisbane southside suburbs.

Sunnybank
Salisbury
Holland Park
Archerfield
Acacia Ridge
Wacol
Moorooka
Tarragindi

Call Now Request a Quote

Two O’Brien technicians talking at the open back of a work van

Why Choose O’Brien Coopers Plains?

24/7 availability. We’re here when you need us most
Licensed plumbers and gasfitters
Rapid response across Brisbane Southside and surrounding areas
Fully equipped vehicles for on-the-spot repairs
Trusted in SEQ for over 35 years
Honest advice and upfront pricing, no hidden surprises

What is a Commercial Grease Trap?

Commercial grease traps are enclosed cavities (rectangular in shape) dug into the ground and close by to the commercial kitchen which collect liquid waste (grease and water) which exits the kitchen sink. Because grease floats, it is “trapped” in between baffle walls inside the grease trap, while allowing the cleaner water to safely exit the grease trap.

How Often Should You Pump Out a Grease Trap?

Most local councils dictate that the traps be cleaned every month, two months, or three months depending on the grease output. However, businesses almost always require cleaning at least once every three months.

What is Trade Waste?

Trade waste refers to any liquid waste generated by commercial, industrial, or trade-related activities that is discharged into the sewerage system. It differs from domestic wastewater, which comes from residential sources like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.