Run-off from roads, drains and gutters causes poor waterway quality and can be harmful to fish and wildlife. Mobile cleaning and trade businesses can help stop pollutants like detergents, oils and pesticides entering our stormwater system.

This information will help you if you operate:

• pet hydro bath or mobile dog washing units
• car washing
• carpet cleaning
• steam and high-pressure cleaning
• trades
• brick and paver cutting
• aggregate driveway laying
• roof cleaning or recoating

Ways your business can help

• Where wastewater consists only of soil and organic matter (no oil or chemicals) it is suitable to dispose of waste water into a garden or grassed area.
• Wastewater containing any oil or chemicals must be collected by an appropriate regulated waste company. For permanent situations, approval from your water authority must be obtained for waste to be disposed of via the sewer system under a Trade Waste permit.
• Use sandbags or a portable bund to prevent waste water from entering drains.
• Sweep up all waste material rather than hosing down.
• Avoid using detergents, oils, pesticides or chemicals near drains, gutters and waterways.
• Work on a grassed or gravelled area away from drains, roadside gutters and waterways.
• Use a bucket to collect waste water for reuse or proper disposal.
• Store all detergents, solvents, oils or any other chemicals in a secure area.
• Collect all waste and use a licensed recycling operator or disposal facility.
• Clean up spills or leaks using dry absorbent materials such as kitty litter, rags or a bund.
• Use as little water as possible, or use trigger hoses where necessary.
• Ensure all staff are aware of their environmental responsibilities.

The law

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, allowing polluted wastewater to enter stormwater drains and roadside gutters and waterways is an offence and may attract a fine to the value of 15 penalty units (individual) or 75 penalty units (corporation). See the penalty unit fact sheet for more information about penalty units.

Remember

Stormwater is not treated before entering our local creeks, rivers and waterways. Everyone has a responsibility to keep our waterways clean and healthy.

This information is also available as a mobile cleaning and trade businesses fact sheet