Liquid Waste Regulations for Carpet Cleaning Operations
Carpet cleaning operations produce liquid waste that may damage plumbing, impact the wastewater treatment processes, and potentially harm the environment.
Sewer Use Regulations
To protect the environment and comply with regulations, carpet cleaning operations must follow the regulations defined in Schedule "O" of the CRD Sewer Use Bylaw. By following the code of practice, you will significantly reduce the number of contaminants that end up in our oceans.
For more detailed information please reference the Code of Practice detailed in CRD Sewer Use Bylaw Schedule "O".
Although compliance with Sewer Use Bylaw may help you meet other municipal, provincial or federal conditions, other agencies may have additional requirements. Use BizPaL to help you identify additional permits and licenses required to operate your business.
Questions? Email us at sourcecontrol@crd.bc.ca
Stormwater and Storm Drains
Avoid stormwater contamination and protect our waterways by preventing carpet cleaning waste from entering the storm drain network (which includes ditches, catch basins and roadways). Stormwater is generally regulated by the municipal government in which your storm drain is located unless you are located on the Saanich Peninsula (Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney).
Trucked Liquid Waste
Liquid waste haulers can be hired to responsibly manage any fluids associated with carpet cleaning operations.
It is important to note that the waste generator retains ownership of the waste even after it has been turned over to a waste hauler. This means the generator can be held responsible for the consequences of a spill or improper disposal of waste.
For that reason, it is important to ensure that the hauler you hire can demonstrate that they are:
- properly licensed,
- have properly trained staff
- deal with your waste in a safe, responsible, legal and diligent manner.
Septic Systems
If your business operates on a septic system, wastewater pre-treatment is not required under CRD Onsite Sewage System Maintenance Bylaw No. 3479. However, non-domestic waste, such as carpet cleaning waste should not be discharged to a septic system as this can create a contaminated site.
At a minimum, the discharge of carpet cleaning waste can impact the treatment process, significantly increase maintenance costs of the septic system and reduce its useful life span
More Sustainable Business Practices
Reducing waste and making sustainable changes can benefit the environment and your business.
- Use newer, more efficient machines (forth generation or newer).
- Choose environmentally-friendly cleaning products.
- Buy local materials when possible.
- Choose electricity-powered heating, vehicles, EnergyStar appliances and LED lighting to reduce carbon pollution and your climate impact.
- Protect our drinking water. Carpet cleaning operators must ensure proper connections and backflow protection are in place and maintained.
