What waste does a Melbourne commercial pottery studio generate?

Keep reclaimable clay, glaze residues, washwater and fired breakages separate in a pottery studio. Do not assume a glaze is harmless or hazardous solely from a generic ingredient list.

What to check

1. Identify glaze products and retain safety data sheets for unwanted residues.
2. Ask the studio lead which clean clay scraps can return to the same clay body without contamination.
3. Assess clay-trap contents and glaze washwater before discharge or collection; a settling container is not automatic disposal approval.
4. Check acceptance for sharp fired pieces and kiln furniture rather than putting ceramics into bottle-and-jar recycling.

Source context

EPA guidance supports composition-based classification and preventing wastewater pollution. EPA Victoria: Classify industrial waste. EPA Victoria: Stormwater.

Related resources

• Recycling Services
• How to Reduce Commercial Waste Costs
• Waste Audit Checklist

More questions

Browse commercial waste questions

Sources

• EPA Victoria — Classify industrial waste. Classification process; priority waste. Checked 18 September 2026.
• EPA Victoria — Stormwater. Stormwater and the law. Checked 18 September 2026.