Oil water separators are essential for sites where wash water or runoff contains oils, fuels, or hydrocarbons. Commonly used in wash bays, workshops, depots, and industrial facilities, these systems protect stormwater networks, meet council and EPA requirements, and reduce the risk of environmental non-compliance. Trade Enviro supplies oil water separator systems across Australia, with practical sizing guidance and support to ensure the right solution for your application.
Trusted by industrial operators across Australia
Common Applications for Oil Water Separators
Oil water separators are used wherever wastewater or runoff may contain oils, fuels, grease, or hydrocarbons before discharge to sewer or stormwater.
Common applications include:
- Wash bays & vehicle wash facilities
Captures oil and fuel residues from vehicle, truck, and equipment washing before water enters sewer or treatment systems. - Workshops & mechanical facilities
Manages oily wastewater from servicing areas, parts cleaning, and floor washdown operations. - Fuel stations & refuelling areas
Prevents hydrocarbon-contaminated runoff from entering stormwater systems during rainfall events. - Industrial & transport depots
Suitable for fleet yards, logistics facilities, and plant yards with frequent vehicle movement. - Stormwater treatment systems
Used as part of a broader stormwater management strategy to remove free-floating hydrocarbons from runoff. - Trade waste and sewer discharge compliance
Helps sites meet council and water authority requirements prior to discharge.
Not sure which application applies to your site?
We help size and configure oil water separators based on flow rates, contaminant load, and discharge requirements.
Why Use an Oil Water Separator?
Our oil water separator systems allow on-site treatment and legal discharge to sewer under a trade waste permit.
Environmental Compliance
Meet trade waste and discharge requirements with confidence. Reduce the risk of fines, shutdowns, and council enforcement action.
Site-Specific Selection
We help size systems based on flow rates, site layout, and discharge conditions — avoiding over-spend or under-specification.
Proven Industrial Performance
Trade-quality systems designed for real-world wash bays, workshops, and industrial environments.
Lower Long-Term Costs
On-site treatment avoids ongoing pump-out costs, which can quickly exceed the cost of installing a separator system.
If wastewater isn’t treated on site, disposal usually requires licensed pump-out services. These are charged per visit and costs can escalate quickly for high-volume sites. An on-site oil water separator is a long-term compliance investment that can significantly reduce operating costs over time.
How Do Oil Water Separators Work?
Oil water separators work by taking advantage of the difference in density between water and oil.
Contaminated water enters the separator chamber and flows through a series of coalescing tube packs designed to attract oil. This allows oil droplets to rise to the surface and bind together. The cleaned water exits the system via baffles and final filter bags, while the separated oil is retained for safe disposal.
In basic terms: oil floats, water sinks – our systems use this principle to protect your drains and the environment.
FAQs
Do I have to have a separator if I operate a wash bay?
Not always, but having an approved separator makes wastewater management far easier and more cost-effective.
With an approved oil water separator under a trade waste permit, you can legally treat wastewater on site and discharge it directly to sewer. Without one, you cannot discharge wash bay wastewater to sewer. Instead, you must engage a licensed waste contractor to remove and dispose of it off site – a service that can become expensive depending on the volume of water your site generates.
Do I need council or EPA approval to install one?
In most regions, yes. Discharging wastewater without an approved treatment system can result in fines or shutdowns. We can advise on what your local council or EPA requires and recommend a compliant solution.
How do I know which size separator I need?
Separator size depends on water flow rate, oil content, and intended use (e.g., wash bay vs. workshop). While Trade Enviro doesn’t install units, we can guide you to the right model based on your application and site conditions.
Can oil water separators be installed outdoors?
Yes. Most models we supply are suitable for outdoor installation and are built with weather-resistant materials. Make sure to consult with your installer about local drainage and protection from heavy rainfall or debris.
What types of contaminants do they remove?
Trade Enviro’s systems are designed to remove free oils, grease, and hydrocarbons from wastewater. Some systems also help capture suspended solids, depending on the configuration.