What Are Trade Waste Arrestors? A Complete Guide for Australian Businesses

Businesses that produce wastewater containing grease, oils, silt or other materials may need an appropriate system to manage that waste before it enters the drainage or sewer network. This is where trade waste arrestors can play an important role in commercial and trade waste arrestors industrial wastewater management.

For Australian businesses, choosing a suitable system involves considering the type of waste produced, the required capacity, installation conditions and ongoing maintenance requirements. RI Industries provides a range of precast concrete solutions designed for commercial applications.

What Is Trade Waste?

Trade waste refers to liquid wastewater produced by commercial or industrial activities that enters the sewer system. Depending on its contents, some wastewater may need to be treated or separated before it can enter the drainage system.

A suitable arrestor can help capture specific materials and allow them to settle or separate from the wastewater. This can help prevent unwanted substances from entering the drainage system and supports more appropriate wastewater management for commercial premises.

How Do Trade Waste Arrestors Work?

The basic function is to retain certain waste materials while allowing the wastewater to continue through the system. Different types are designed for different waste streams and applications.

RI Industries supplies several options, including grease arrestors, settling pits and detention tanks. The appropriate option depends on factors such as the type and volume of waste generated by the business.

For example, systems designed to capture fats and oils can help separate these materials from washwater. Regular cleaning is important to maintain effective operation, with RI Industries noting that its arrestors should generally be cleaned every three months or more frequently when required, following relevant SA Water recommendations.

Why Are They Important for Australian Businesses?

Commercial businesses can produce wastewater that contains substances unsuitable for direct discharge into the sewer system. Without suitable management, these materials can create problems within drainage infrastructure and increase the risk of blockages, odours or other wastewater-related issues.

A properly selected system provides a dedicated point for capturing or settling specific materials before wastewater continues through the drainage network. This makes the arrestor an important component of wastewater management for businesses where trade waste is generated.

Businesses should also consider their operational requirements carefully. The right capacity and type can depend on the nature and volume of wastewater produced at the premises.

Types Available From RI Industries

RI Industries manufactures several types of commercial wastewater products. Its range includes oil and grease arrestors, settling pits and acid neutraliser pits.

The company’s standard specifications include different capacities and dimensions to suit varying requirements. Current listed capacities include 1,100 litres, 1,750 litres, 2,400 litres and 5,200 litres for selected grease and settling models.

RI Industries also offers features such as HDPE-compatible inlets, gas-tight lids, extension risers and heavy-duty cast iron or concrete covers. Epoxy coating for internal surfaces is available upon request.

Why Precast Concrete Can Be a Practical Choice

The construction material of a wastewater system is an important consideration for commercial projects. RI Industries manufactures these units using precast concrete, with its current product information specifying concrete strength of 50 MPa at 28 days for its trade waste arrestors.

Precast construction can provide a robust solution for underground commercial infrastructure. Depending on the project, different cover options and configurations can also be considered to suit site requirements.

RI Industries also states that its units can be lowered into the excavation when the site is level, firm and accessible.

Installation and Site Considerations

Installation needs to be planned carefully because underground wastewater infrastructure depends on suitable excavation, bedding, backfilling and access for future servicing.

RI Industries' installation guidance specifies that external installations should be at least 50mm above ground level to help exclude stormwater. Its guidance also provides requirements for excavation, base preparation and backfilling.

Where circular gas-tight inspection covers are used, the company specifies a minimum 600mm vertical clearance between the underside of the cover slab and the static water level to allow routine servicing.

Businesses should therefore consider the available site conditions and servicing requirements before installation. Maintaining accurate new records of installation details and servicing can also help businesses keep track of their infrastructure over time.

Maintenance Matters

Installing the right system is only part of effective trade waste management. Regular maintenance is necessary to help the system continue performing as intended.

RI Industries recommends that its arrestors designed to capture fats and oils from washwater be completely cleaned every three months or more frequently if required. Waste removed from the tank must not be discharged into the sewage system.

Regular servicing can help businesses identify issues early and maintain the functionality of their wastewater infrastructure.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business

The most suitable system will depend on the type and volume of trade waste produced, available installation space, capacity requirements and site conditions. Businesses should avoid selecting an arrestor based on size alone.

RI Industries offers a range of commercial precast concrete products, including trade waste arrestors, stormwater sumps, covers, grates and frames, inspection openings and pump stations. Its team can assist businesses in understanding the available options for their project requirements.

Conclusion

Trade waste management is an important consideration for Australian commercial and industrial businesses that produce wastewater requiring separation or pre-treatment. The right system can help capture grease, oils, silt and other materials before wastewater continues into the drainage network.

RI Industries provides a range of precast concrete options, including grease arrestors, settling pits and acid neutraliser pits, with different capacities and installation features available. Proper selection, installation and ongoing maintenance are important for reliable long-term performance.