Liquid waste disposal

Our Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRF) are primarily designed to process residential wastewater delivered by our sewer system. However, our commitment to responsible liquid waste management extends beyond residential homes. We also accept liquid waste from residential, commercial and industrial sources that are delivered to us by licensed controlled waste carriers at some facilities. 

Liquid waste or is any unwanted liquid material from homes, businesses or industries that require proper treatment or disposal. Examples of liquid waste we accept are grease trap, winery waste, pond water, animal waste, septage, sewage etc. See table below for a list of liquid waste we accept. 

How to dispose of liquid waste?

We understand that managing liquid waste can be a challenge. That’s why we’re here to help. 

Most liquid waste comes from homes and goes directly to our WRRFs. Proper household wastewater management is essential for protecting our environment. It helps prevent harmful substances from polluting our waterways and damaging our ecosystems. 

Other sources of liquid waste include commercial and industrial facilities. These are typically collected by specialised liquid waste carriers in tankers or vacuum trucks, often referred to as ‘tankered waste’, and then transported to our approved WRRFs for treatment. 

If you run a business that produces trade waste, visit our trade waste page for specific guidelines. 

The journey of liquid waste in our Woodman Point facility

Please note that to ensure liquid waste can be safely treated at our facilities, we require approval before you can unload it at one of our tanker receival stations. 

Why do we need approvals over liquid waste entering the wastewater system?

Think of liquid waste or tankered waste as a truckload of smelly, possibly dangerous liquid. We have special rules around it that are defined by what is called ‘Controlled waste’. 

We check what liquid waste is okay to dispose to ensure: 

• The liquid waste won’t harm the helpful bacteria used in wastewater plants or affect the quality of treated water and biosolids. 
• The water and biosolids from wastewater treatment plants that are left over are clean and safe for the environment. 
• Our people that operate the wastewater treatment plants are safe. 
• We obey the Environmental Protection (Controlled Waste) Regulations 2004. Controlled waste applies to waste generators, waste carriers as well as liquid waste treatment and disposal sites.

Our wastewater treatment facilities

Woodman Point Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility

Located at 837 Cockburn Road in Henderson, Woodman Point is our largest wastewater treatment facility in the state. It features a dedicated tanker reception area where licensed controlled waste carriers can dispose of liquid waste. Woodman Point generally accepts all controlled waste categories outlined in the table below, as long as the waste meets our specific acceptance criteria. 

Regional Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility

Our regional wastewater resource recovery facilities in Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River, and Bridgetown offer a more limited scope of liquid waste disposal.  

Please note that these facilities currently accept sewage waste (category K130) only. 

Liquid waste disposal charges 2024-25

*GST included #GST free

Contact us

To ensure responsible management of liquid waste, it is important that you contact us before attempting disposal at our Woodman Point or Southwest facilities. This allows for an initial discussion regarding the source and nature of the liquid waste. We may need you to provide us with more information, such as chemical analysis, before we can decide whether we can accept the waste.  

Please reach out to our team by calling 13 13 85 to discuss further.