WSC Services

Discharge Permit Unit. Keeping the network healthy.

A joint effort between WSC and commercial entities to control the levels of contaminants entering the sewer system — through permitting, inspections, monitoring and enforcement of the National Sewer Discharge Control Regulations (S.L. 545.08).

Residential

You can help.

Households are expected to observe the legislation pertaining to discharges into the sewer (S.L. 545.08), as stipulated in the WSC Customer Contract. Keeping the public sewer network in good working condition is what allows it to keep serving the Maltese public.

Did you know? WSC spends about €3 million per year clearing blockages and cleaning wastewater pumping stations.

A clean white toilet

Easy tips that make a real difference

  • 1
    Don't flush wipes, earbuds or sanitary towels down the toilet.
  • 2
    Don't pour waste cooking oil down the drain. Cool it, container it, bin it.
  • 3
    Don't use under-sink food macerators. Wipe plates and dishes before washing.
  • 4
    Don't pour aggressive chemicals down the drain — caustic soda, hydrochloric acid and similar.
  • 5
    Don't dispose of waste paints or thinners to sewer.
  • 6
    Waste lubrication oils must be collected and disposed of at appropriate receiving facilities.
  • 7
    Rainwater runoff should be stored in a well or directed to the road surface — never to the sewer.

Planning Applications & Clearances

WSC forms part of the Planning Authority's consultation process. If you require a clearance for a residential PA permit or compliance certificate, send a formal request — including site plan and internal sewer/stormwater plans — to:

region.consultations@wsc.com.mt

Industrial

Public Sewer Discharge Permit.

The DPU determines whether a business needs a Public Sewer Discharge Permit by considering flow, wastewater characteristics, type of process and applicable regulations.

Industrial sewer pipes

Permits are typically issued to

Food packing plants
Industrial laundries
Rendering facilities
Poultry processors
Bottling companies
Food processors & mfg
Electroplaters
Metal finishers
Hospitals
Industrial bakeries
Pharmaceutical companies
Fuel service stations
Hotels
Restaurants
Elderly care homes
Clinics
Vehicle mechanics
Carpenters & aluminium
Petroleum storage
Injection moulding
Electronics mfg
Wineries & breweries
Farms
Slaughter houses

Treatment considerations

Mechanical grease trap

Mechanical grease trap

Actively removes grease via a skimming wheel that deposits waste oils into an external container. Daily cleaning, monthly desludging, annual maintenance.

Biological grease trap

Biological grease trap

Uses biological agents to degrade fats and greases. Requires daily basket cleaning, monthly desludging, periodic dosing of additive.

Oil and water separator

Oil/water separator

Lighter oil rises, heavier sludge settles, clean water flows out. Mandatory for fuel stations, car washes and similar.

Prohibited equipment

Food grinder

Under-sink food grinders

Push avoidable solids straight into the sewer.

Nappy macerator

Macerators (non-biodegradable)

For bed pads, nappies and similar — strictly prohibited.

Water softener

Water softeners

Unless regeneration reject water is discharged to sea.

How to apply

Fill in the application form and pay the €11.65 fee (new applications and amendments). Renewals are free of charge but should be sent at least one month before expiry. We'll request site plans, internal drains, MSDS and any operational permits, plus an analysis of the trade effluent.

Start an application

Wastewater carriers

Authorised Discharge Points.

RTIPs are the officially authorised points of discharge to the public sewerage system for liquid waste carriers. There are currently three official RTIPs in Malta: Ta' Qali, Żejtun and Gudja.

Only mobile containers registered with the Environment and Resource Authority (under S.L. 549.45) may discharge. Unregistered vehicles or containers are not permitted.

Sewer pipework

Not allowed at any RTIP

  • Farm and animal wastes, including manure
  • Sludges and slurries
  • Caustic chemicals
  • Fats, oils and greases (in excess of 200 mg/L)
  • Paint wastewaters
  • Wastewaters with excessive solids (camura)
  • Petroleum or oil-contaminated waters
  • Untreated wastewater from slaughterhouses
  • Highly saline waters (chloride above 1000 mg/L)
  • Animal by-products under EC Regulation 1069/2009

In doubt? Contact DPU

For questions about discharge of wastewaters into sewer, contact the Discharge Permit Unit:

📞 2244 3184   wsc.dpu@wsc.com.mt

In doubt?

Talk to the Discharge Permit Unit.

We're here to help homes, restaurants, industry and carriers do the right thing.

Call DPU 2244 3184 Email DPU