Trade Effluent

Effluent is liquid waste from industrial outfalls that flows into surface waters. It may contain fats, oils and greases, chemicals, detergents, heavy metal rinses, solids, food wastes.

It can be:

• Wastewater from food processing
• From manufacturing or chemical processes
• Runoff from industrial sites

In the UK, businesses that produce trade effluent have specific legal obligations under the Water Industry Act 1991.  Under this, the key responsibilities are to obtain a Trade Effluent Consent, as a Legal Requirement. Businesses must apply for a Trade Effluent Consent from their local water authority before discharging any trade effluent into the public sewer.

The consent will specify:

• The volume and rate of discharge.
• The chemical composition and temperature.
• Pre-treatment requirements (if applicable).

Without consent, discharging trade effluent is a criminal offence and may result in fines or prosecution.

Once consent is granted, the business must:

• Adhere strictly to the conditions set by the water company.
• Regularly monitor the composition and volume of the discharge.
• Maintain records of sampling and analysis.
• Notify the water company of any changes to the discharge.