If your business produces wastewater beyond typical domestic sewage — such as food waste, chemicals, or manufacturing by-products — you might need something called a Trade Effluent Consent. But what exactly is that, and why is it important?

At Pozitive Water, we’re here to help you understand trade effluent consents and guide you through the process, so your business stays compliant and avoids costly penalties.

What Is Trade Effluent?

Trade effluent is any liquid waste that comes from your business activities and enters the public sewer system, other than standard domestic wastewater from toilets or sinks. Examples include:

• Wastewater from industrial processes
• Chemicals or oils from manufacturing
• Food or drink waste from catering businesses
• Cooling water or cleaning fluids
• Because trade effluent can contain harmful substances, it’s regulated to protect the environment, public health, and the sewer network itself.

Why Do You Need a Trade Effluent Consent?

If your business discharges trade effluent, you must obtain a Trade Effluent Consent from your local water company or sewerage provider before you start. This consent sets out:

• What substances you can discharge
• Limits on volumes and concentrations
• Monitoring and reporting requirements
• Operating without consent can lead to fines, enforcement action, or even disconnection from the sewer system.

How Can Pozitive Water Help?

Navigating trade effluent consents can be complex — but you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s how we support you:

• Guidance & Advice: We explain what consents you need based on your business type.
• Application Support: We help you with the application process to your local wholesaler or sewerage company.
• Ongoing Compliance: We assist with monitoring requirements and ensure you meet regulatory obligations.
• Issue Resolution: If problems arise, we coordinate with the wholesaler to find solutions quickly.

Our goal is to make managing your trade effluent responsibilities as straightforward as possible.

What Are the Next Steps?

If you’re unsure whether your business needs a trade effluent consent or want help managing your existing consent, get in touch! Our team of water industry experts is ready to support you.

Contact us today at water.support@pe.solutions or call 0333 123 4567.