Hazardous
2 min read
By Pedro Carreira
Updated 25 June 2026
Kitchen exhaust cleaners generate: grease and oil waste from hoods and ducts (liquid waste — licensed disposal required), chemical cleaning solutions (potentially hazardous), and contaminated water.
Grease waste must be collected by licensed liquid waste transporters at $150–400 per service. Chemical waste disposal: $3–8/litre.
Never discharge grease to stormwater drains. Monthly waste: $200–600.
Maintain EPA compliance documentation for all liquid waste movements.
Key Numbers
- Grease collection per service: $150–400
- Chemical waste disposal: $3–8/litre
- Typical monthly waste: $200–600
- Max GED corporate fine: about $2.03 million
What You Need to Know
Kitchen exhaust cleaning is a liquid-waste business first and a cleaning business second. The grease and oil stripped from hoods and ducts is classified liquid waste that must move on a licensed transporter — discharge it to a stormwater drain and you breach the duty owed under Victorian law.
- Grease & oil — licensed liquid waste collection at $150–400 per service
- Chemical cleaning solutions — potentially hazardous, disposed at $3–8/litre
- Contaminated water — never to stormwater drains
- Documentation — EPA compliance records for every liquid waste movement
Cradle-to-grave tracking of this prescribed waste is mandated by the Environment Protection (Management of Prescribed Waste) Regulations 2021, and breaching the general environmental duty can expose a company to EPA fines of about $2.03 million. Bundle Waste is an independent broker that audits your invoice free, compares a network of licensed liquid-waste providers, and is paid only from the savings we find.
Related Resources
Related Questions
What are hazardous waste disposal costs in Melbourne?+
Hazardous waste disposal in Melbourne ranges from $2–15/kg depending on waste type. Chemical waste costs $3–8/kg, asbestos removal $50–80/m², and liquid chemical disposal $300–800 per 200L drum. All hazardous waste must be handled by EPA-licensed transporters under the Environment Protection Act 2017.
How much does grease trap servicing cost in Melbourne?+
Grease trap servicing in Melbourne costs $150–400 per service depending on trap size. A standard 1,000L trap costs $150–250, a 2,000L trap $250–400. Most food businesses need monthly or quarterly servicing. Failure to maintain grease traps can breach your trade-waste agreement, leading to penalties or suspension of your discharge consent by your water authority (such as South East Water or Yarra Valley Water).
What is prescribed industrial waste in Victoria?+
Prescribed Industrial Waste (PIW) includes: chemicals, solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, asbestos, clinical waste, contaminated soil, and waste oils. PIW is classified under the EP Regulations 2021 and must be tracked through EPA's waste tracking system. Penalties for illegal PIW disposal reach about $2.03 million.
What is the EPA waste tracker system?+
EPA Victoria's waste tracker system digitally tracks prescribed industrial waste (PIW) from generation to disposal. Waste generators must create a consignment for each PIW movement; transporters confirm pickup and delivery. Non-compliance is an offence under the EP Regulations 2021.
How often must grease traps be cleaned under Victorian regulations?+
Under trade waste agreements, grease traps must be serviced at intervals set by the water authority — typically monthly for restaurants, quarterly for lower-volume kitchens. Maximum interval is usually 13 weeks. Failure can result in agreement suspension and fines up to $20,000.
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Updated 25 June 2026
