Healthy waterways for Businesses

Healthy waterways for Businesses

 

When it rains, water runs off roofs, roads and other hard surfaces into the nearest stormwater drain. This is collectively known as stormwater.

Litter, oils and other pollutants can end up in stormwater drains as a result of residents and businesses. Businesses operating in the Yarra Ranges have a responsibility to ensure pollutants aren’t entering waterways and endangering local plants and animals.

Use these tips below to ensure your business is helping to keep our waterways clean.

Waste Water Disposal

Waste water results from business operations. Examples of business waste water are:

  • dirty water from cleaning surfaces and floors
  • dirty water from business activities such as washing hair, dog washing, vehicle washing
  • water that flows through sinks, toilets and floor drains to the sewer or septic system.

Waste water must be disposed of correctly. Commercial kitchens must discharge their waste water into the sewer or designated cleaner’s sink.

Never tip waste water into gutters or street drains

Waste Management

All commercial food businesses must be registered with the local water authority (Yarra Valley Water, South East Water) and have a licence or permit to discharge waste water into the sewer. This is called a Trade Waste Consent Agreement.

Food businesses that use cooking oils must have a fitted, fully functioning grease trap or have a licensed contractor collect it.

Businesses that have specific waste outputs such as; manufacturers, auto shops and agriculture must dispose of any business waste in line with regulations. For more information about responsible ways to ensure your business isn’t polluting our waterways visit the EPA website

NEVER tip oils, paints, solvents or any pollutant onto the ground or down a drain.

Chemicals and Liquids

Store chemicals, liquids and liquid waste in appropriate containers in an area where a spill can be contained and easily cleaned up.

Spill kits are available in various sizes and should be on-hand ready for use. As a business owner it’s your responsibility to ensure you, and your staff, know where the spill kit is, and how to use it.

For more information on storing, handling and dealing with liquid spills visit the EPA website.

ALWAYS store and handle chemicals responsibly and be prepared for spills.

Litter and Rubbish

Keep the area around your business clean – sweep paved areas and pick up any litter. Ensure bins are secured and can’t tip over or be opened by wildlife. If you have a designated outdoor smoking or lunch area for staff, ensure bins with lids are provided.

ALWAYS secure your bins to stop litter entering waterways.

Staff Training

Make your staff aware of the dangers of stormwater pollution. Ensure they know the location of (and difference between) stormwater drains, sinks and grease traps. They should also have a clear understanding of what waste belongs where for your specific business.

Appoint a staff member as your ‘Environmental Champion’.

 

Environmentally Friendly Products

Always try to use non-toxic environmentally friendly products.

 

 

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