Trade Waste for Brisbane Cafés: What You Need Before Opening
Brisbane cafés live or die on trade waste approval. Get it wrong and Urban Utilities won't turn on your water. Here's the plumber's-eye view.
Grease Trap Sizing
Sized to peak flow, not floor area. A 20-seat espresso bar needs a different trap to a full breakfast kitchen. We calculate to AS 3500 with your fitout designer.
Approval Sequence
Design → Urban Utilities pre-approval → install → inspection → certification → water on. Missing a step means starting over.
Ongoing Compliance
Trade waste generators need a signed agreement with Urban Utilities and quarterly pump-outs. Skip these and your permit lapses.
Common Fitout Mistakes
Coffee grinder waste to trap (should be dry), ice machine drains to sewer directly (needs air gap), and hand basins connected to grease line (illegal).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does approval take?
6–10 weeks with Urban Utilities right now. Start early.