Installing on-site sewerage facilities

On-site sewerage facilities treat domestic sewage in unsewered areas. The facility can treat, store and dispose of sewage generated on the premises. A facility may include either:

  • an on-site sewage treatment plant, which uses mechanical, biological and filtration methods to treat waste before discharging through either above- or below-ground irrigation systems
  • a septic system, which uses biological methods to treat waste before discharging through a below-ground system
  • dry-vault toilets that are chemical, composting or incinerating toilets.

Approvals for on-site sewerage facilities

Installing an on-site sewage treatment plant requires:

If homeowners don't have approval, the system can't be installed in Queensland.

Check the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 1.1MB) and Australian Standard AS1546.3:2017 for details on the performance requirements and criteria used to assess on-site sewage treatment and greywater treatment facilities.

Who issues approvals

The Department of Energy and Public Works issues chief executive approvals for on-site sewage treatment plants to treat sewage from fewer than 21 equivalent persons.

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation issues approval for systems treating sewage from 21 equivalent persons or more.

Composting toilets

Composting toilets use a process of biological degradation to convert nightsoil into a humus-like substance through the aerobic action of micro-organisms and invertebrates.

New composting toilet installations presented for sale in Queensland must comply with Part F1.4 Composting, chemical and incinerating toilets of the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (PDF, 1MB).

Consumers who purchase a composting toilet must request a written statement of compliance from the manufacturer or distributor. Submit this statement to the local government with the approval application. We won't accept composting toilets previously approved by Queensland Health or the Environmental Protection Agency as evidence of compliance.

Pre-approved systems

The Department of Housing and Public Works has already approved wastewater treatment systems for varying qualities of effluent. Find out more about these qualities and their approved systems below:

Secondary quality

Compliance characteristics of secondary quality effluent:

  • 90% of the samples taken over the test period have a BOD5 less than or equal to 20g/m3, with no sample greater than 30g/m3.
  • 90% of the samples taken over the test period have total suspended solids less than or equal to 30g/m3, with no sample greater than 45g/m3.
  • Where disinfection is provided, 90% of the samples taken over the test period have thermotolerant coliform count not exceeding 200 organisms per 100ml, with no sample exceeding 1,000 organisms per 100ml.
  • Where chlorination is the disinfection process, the total chlorine concentration is greater than or equal to 0.5g/m3 and less than 2.0g/m3 in 4 out of 5 samples taken.

Approved facilities

Company name Approved facilities Approval documents Expiry date
Eljen Pacific Eljen GSF A42 Treatment plant approval 08/2022 (PDF, 4.5MB) 28 Nov 2027
Eloy Water Oxyfix AU Treatment plant approval 04/2022 (PDF, 3.3MB) 20 Sep 2027
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Concrete/Poly Aqua Advanced (8EP/1200L) Treatment plant approval 02/2021 (PDF, 1.9MB) 27 Jan 2026
Global Rotomoulding Pty Ltd UBI Aqua 6000 Treatment plant approval (PDF, 1.8MB) 28 Nov 2027
Ozzi Kleen Ozzi Kleen RP10 Treatment plant approval 22/2023 (PDF, 3.2MB) 4 Dec 2028
Ozzi Kleen Ozzi Kleen RP10S
(with nutrient reduction)
Treatment plant approval 20/2023 (PDF, 3.2MB) 4 Dec 2028
Property Werx Pty Ltd Wormsmart WSP1500PF Treatment plant approval 13/2023 (PDF, 1.6MB) 4 Dec 2028

Advanced secondary

Compliance characteristics of advanced secondary quality effluent:

  • 90% of the samples taken over the test period have a BOD5 less than or equal to 10g/m3 with no sample greater than 20g/m3.
  • 90% of the samples taken over the test period have total suspended solids less than or equal to 10g/m3 with no sample greater than 20g/m3.
  • Where disinfection is provided, 90% of the samples taken over the test period have thermotolerant coliform count not exceeding 10 organisms per 100ml with no sample exceeding 200 organisms per 100ml.
  • Where chlorination is the disinfection process, the total chlorine concentration is greater than or equal to 0.5g/m3 and less than 2.0g/m3 in 4 out of 5 samples taken.

Approved facilities

Company name Approved facilities Approval documents Expiry date
Alphatreat ADTP10AS Treatment plant approval 17/2023 (PDF, 938KB) 14 Nov 2028
Hydroscape ABSORBS Lined Sand Filter Treatment plant approval 10/2023-1 (PDF, 2.2MB) 24 Mar 2028
Hydroscape ABSORBS Unlined Sand Filter Treatment plant approval 11/2023-1 (PDF, 2.1MB) 24 Mar 2028
Aussie Treat Aussie Treat Model 20 Treatment plant approval 09/2022 (PDF, 6.8MB) 9 Nov 2027
BioSeptic Pty Ltd BioSeptic S-TEN Treatment plant approval 12/2023 (PDF, 1.5MB) 20 April 2028
Bioseptic Pty Ltd BioSeptic Performa 2020 Treatment plant approval 20/2021 (PDF, 2MB) 15 April 2026
Eco Septic Pty Ltd Eco Pro AWTS Treatment plant approval 05/2020 (PDF, 2.5MB) 17 Sept 2025
Eco Septic Pty Ltd Biocycle Maxi 5000 – Concrete Treatment Plant Approval 27/2023 (PDF, 2.3MB) 14 Dec 2028
Eco Septic Pty Ltd Biocycle Maxi 5000 – Poly Treatment Plant Approval 28/2023 (PDF, 3.2MB) 15 Dec 2028
Eco Septic Pty Ltd Biocycle Pro 1500 – Concrete Treatment Plant Approval 29/2023 (PDF, 2.3MB) 14 Dec 2028
Eco Septic Pty Ltd Biocycle Pro 1500 – Poly Treatment Plant Approval 30/2023 (PDF, 2.3MB) 15 Dec 2028
Eco Septic Pty Ltd EcoSeptic Maxi 5000 – Concrete Treatment Plant Approval 23/2023 (PDF, 3.9MB) 14 Dec 2028
Eco Septic Pty Ltd EcoSeptic Maxi 5000 – Poly Treatment Plant Approval 24/2023 (PDF, 3.4MB) 18 Dec 2028
Eco Septic Pty Ltd Eco Pro 1500 – Concrete Treatment Plant Approval 25/2023 (PDF, 3.9MB) 15 Dec 2028
Eco Septic Pty Ltd Eco Pro 1500 – Poly Treatment Plant Approval 26/2023 (PDF, 3.3MB) 18 Dec 2028
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Concrete/Poly Aqua Advanced (8EP/1200L) Treatment plant approval 02/2021 (PDF, 1.9MB) 27 Jan 2026
Fuji Clean Australia ACE1200 Treatment plant approval 19/2021 (PDF, 1.2MB) 15 April 2026
Fuji Clean Australia Fuji Ace 3000 Treatment plant approval 23/2021 (PDF, 633KB) 11 Nov 2026
Global Rotomoulding Pty Ltd WC 1500 Treatment plant approval 14/2023 (PDF, 1.8MB) 29 Sep 2028
Graf Australia Pty Ltd Graf EClean 1500 Treatment plant approval 21/2021 (PDF, 1.7MB) 29 April 2026
Rivatec Environmental Pty Ltd Rivatec RWT 10-2 (10EP/1500L) Treatment plant approval 31/2023 (PDF, 4.7MB) 20 Dec 2028
Taylex Industries Pty Ltd Taylex Concrete/Poly ABS 1500 Treatment plant approval 18/2020 (PDF, 1.6MB) 12 Nov 2025
Taylex Industries Pty Ltd Taylex Concrete ABSNR-2000 Treatment Plant Approval 04/2023 (PDF, 1.3MB) 16 Feb 2028
Taylex Australia Pty Ltd Taylex Contrete ABS4200 Treatment plant approval 24/2021 (PDF, 971KB) 21 Nov 2026

Advanced secondary with nutrient reduction

Compliance characteristics of advanced secondary quality effluent with nutrient reduction:

  • 90% of samples taken over the test period have a BOD5 less than or equal to 10g/m3 with no sample greater than 20g/m3.
  • 90% of samples taken over the test period have total suspended solids less than or equal to 10g/m3 with no sample greater than 20g/m3.
  • Where disinfection is provided, 90% of the samples taken over the test period shall have a thermotolerant coliform count (not exceeding 10 organisms per 100ml with no sample exceeding 200 organisms per 100ml.
  • Where chlorination is the disinfection process, the total chlorine concentration is greater than or equal to 0.5g/m3 and less than 2.0g/m3 in 4 out of 5 samples taken.
  • Ability to reduce total nitrogen and total phosphorus is documented in the associated Treatment Plant Approval.

Approved facilities

Company nameDescription Approval documents Expiry date
BioSeptic Pty Ltd BioSeptic S-TEN Treatment plant approval 12/2023-1 (PDF, 1.8MB) 20 April 2028
Civilmart 1T-AST Treatment plant approval 16/2023 – Amendment 1 (PDF, 2.4MB) 14 Nov 2028
Ecosafe EP10 Treatment plant approval 18/2023 (PDF, 2.8MB) 5 Dec 2028
Ozzi Kleen Ozzi Kleen RP10A+ Treatment plant approval 21/2023 (PDF, 3.2MB) 4 Dec 2028
Ozzi Kleen Ozzie Kleen Model RP10S+ Treatment plant approval 19/2023 (PDF, 3.2MB) 4 Dec 2028
Pinnacle Enviro Systems Pty Ltd, T/A Envirotech Treatment Systems Envirotech Aerobic Sand Filter - CP Signature Series Treatment plant approval 01/2023 (PDF, 1.8MB) 15 Feb 2028
Professional Plumbing EnviroTAS-AS with nutrient reduction Treatment plant approval 15/2023 (PDF, 1.6MB) 17 Oct 2028
Taylex Australia Pty Ltd Taylex Concrete ABSNR-1350 Treatment plant approval 02/2023 (PDF, 1.3MB) 16 Feb 2028
Taylex Australia Pty Ltd Taylex Concrete ABSNR-1350+P Treatment plant approval 03/2023 (PDF, 1.3MB) 16 Feb 2028
Taylex Australia Pty Ltd Taylex Concrete ABSNR-2000+P Treatment plant approval 05/2023 (PDF, 1.3MB) 16 Feb 2028
Taylex Australia Pty Ltd Taylex Poly PABSNR-1350 Treatment plant approval 06/2023 (PDF, 1.3MB) 16 Feb 2028
Taylex Australia Pty Ltd Taylex Poly PABSNR-1350+P Treatment plant approval 07/2023 (PDF, 1.3MB) 16 Feb 2028
Taylex Australia Pty Ltd Taylex Poly ABSNR-2000 Treatment plant approval 04/2023 (PDF, 1.9MB) 27 Sep 2028
Taylex Australia Pty Ltd Taylex Poly PABSNR-2000 Treatment plant approval 08/2023 (PDF, 1.4MB) 27 Sep 2028
Taylex Australia Pty Ltd Taylex Poly PABSNR-2000+P Treatment plant approval 09/2023 (PDF, 1.3MB) 16 Feb 2028

Lapsed, withdrawn, or superseded

The following list of treatment plants have either:

  • had an existing treatment plant approval that has now lapsed
  • been removed from sale and are no longer available for installation
  • been superseded with an amended TPA.

Where a treatment plant does not have a valid treatment plant approval, the system is not allowed to be installed as part of an on-site sewage facility in Queensland.

Company nameDescription Approval  documents Expiry date
Aris ABSORBS Lined Sand Filter Treatment plant approval 10/2023 (PDF, 1.1MB) (Superseded) 24 Mar 2028
Arris ABSORBS Unlined Sand Filter Treatment plant approval 11/2023 (PDF, 1.3MB) (Superseded) 24 Mar 2028
AWTS Maintenance Services Pty Ltd
Envirocycle Model 10 NR
1 Jan 2024
AWTS/Envirocycle (Qld) Pty Ltd Envirocycle Model Mark 6 Department of Primary Industries Approved: 1987
AWTS/Envirocycle (Qld) Pty Ltd Envirocycle Model 14 Department of Primary Industries Approved: 1994
AWTS/Envirocycle (Qld) Pty Ltd Envirocycle 4,000L Primary Treatment Tank Department of Natural Resources and Mines Approved: 1993
AWTS/Envirocycle (Qld) Pty Ltd Envirocycle 10–20 Person Commercial Department of Natural Resources and Mines Approved: 1992
AWTS/Envirocycle (Qld) Pty Ltd Envirocycle Model 12Q Department of Natural Resources and Mines Approved: 1990
BioSeptic Pty Ltd BioSeptic Performa 2000 Treatment plant approval 07/2021 (PDF, 441KB) 1 Jan 2024
BioSeptic Pty Ltd BioSeptic S-TEN Treatment plant approval 12/2023 (PDF, 1.5MB) (Superseded) 20 April 2028
Chankar Environmental Pty Ltd Advanced Enviro-Septic (AES) Treatment plant Approval 15/2019 (PDF, 9MB) 1 Jan 2024
Chankar Environmental Pty Ltd Advanced Enviro-Septic (AES 38) Treatment plant approval – amendment 1 01/2020 (PDF, 8.4MB) 1 Jan 2024
Civilmart SB440-1TAST2020 Treatment plant approval 16/2023 (PDF, 2.3MB) (Superseded) 14 Nov 2028
Eco Septic Econocycle ENC10-1 Treatment plant approval 16/2021 (PDF, 885KB) 1 Jan 2024
Eco Septic Econocycle ENC10-2 Treatment plant approval 17/2021 (PDF, 1MB) 1 Jan 2024
Eco Septic Econocycle ENP10-2 Treatment plant approval 18/2021 (PDF, 1.3MB) 1 Jan 2024
Eco Water Pty Ltd Earthsafe D10 S/C model Treatment plant approval 03/2019 (PDF, 930KB) 1 Jan 2024
Eco Water Pty Ltd Earthsafe D10 S/F model Treatment plant approval 05/2019 (PDF, 997KB) 1 Jan 2024
Eco Water Pty Ltd Earthsafe D10 S/C model with nutrient reduction Treatment plant approval 04/2019 (PDF, 1.2MB) 1 Jan 2024
Eco Water Pty Ltd Earthsafe D10 S/F model with nutrient reduction Treatment plant approval 06/2019 (PDF, 1.3MB) 1 Jan 2024
Eloy Water Australia Oxyfix C-90 – Chlorine Model Treatment plant approval 09/2019 (PDF, 1.1MB) 1 Jan 2024
Eloy Water Australia Oxyfix C-90 – UV Model Treatment plant approval 10/2019 (PDF, 1.2MB) 1 Jan 2024
Pinnacle Enviro Systems Pty Ltd, T/A Envirotech Treatment Systems Envirotech Aerobic Sand Filter - CP Signature Series Treatment plant approval 01/2023 (PDF, 1.8MB) 15 Feb 2028
Envirotech Pty Ltd Envirotech ASF Treatment plant approval 06/2022 (PDF, 1.1MB) 1 Jan 2024
Envirotech Pty Ltd Envirotech A.S.F. Generation II Treatment plant approval 12/2019 (PDF, 826KB) 1 Jan 2024
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Aqua-Nova models 80100, 80110 and 80114 Treatment plant approval 15/2020 (PDF, 292KB) 1 Jan 2024
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Aqua-Nova model 10114 Treatment plant approval 14/2020 (PDF, 227KB) 1 Jan 2024
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Aqua-Nova model 80203 Treatment plant approval 16/2020 (PDF, 220KB) 1 Jan 2024
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Aqua-Nova model 10100 Treatment plant approval 11/2020 (PDF, 246KB) 1 Jan 2024
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Aqua-Nova 80203Z Treatment plant approval 10/2020 (PDF, 3.6MB) 1 Jan 2024
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Aqua-Nova models 80100Z, 80110Z and 80114Z Treatment plant approval 12/2020 (PDF, 1.6MB) 1 Jan 2024
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Aqua-Nova model 10114Z Treatment plant approval 13/2020 (PDF, 1.6MB) 1 Jan 2024
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd Aqua-Nova model 10100Z Treatment plant approval 08/2020 (PDF, 285KB) 1 Jan 2024
Everhard Industries Pty Ltd AquaNova NR Treatment plant approval 09/2020 (PDF, 1.5MB) 1 Jan 2024
Graf Australia Pty Ltd Graf Klaro Epro15 Treatment plant approval 09/2021 (PDF, 2.2MB) 1 Jan 2024
Houston Services Pty Ltd WWR-Mark IV Treatment plant approval 14/2021 (PDF, 2.5MB) 1 Jan 2024
JOWA Group Pty Ltd (trading as Biocycle) Biocycle 4,700L Dept Primary Industries approval 18/2006 (PDF, 153KB) Approved: 1993
JOWA Group Pty Ltd (trading as Biocycle) Biocycle 6,000L 6,000L Dept Natural Resources and Mines approval dated 02/1985 (PDF, 357KB) Approved: 1987
JOWA Group Pty Ltd (trading as Biocycle) Biocycle 'Hunter' 5100 Hunter 5,100L Dept Natural Resources approval dated 01/1990 (PDF, 252KB) Approved: 1991
JOWA Group Pty Ltd (trading as Biocycle) Biocycle 10–20 person Biocycle 10–20 EP approval dated 01/1991 (PDF, 172KB) Approved: 1991
JOWA Group Pty Ltd (trading as Biocycle) Biocycle 4550 S.P. Conversio Biocycle 4550 S.P. Dept Natural Resources and Mines approval date 07/2002 (PDF, 291KB) Approved: 1987
JOWA Group Pty Ltd (trading as Biocycle) Enviroseptic Model 10 Model 10 approved dated 06/1995 (PDF, 372KB) Approved: 1995
JOWA Group Pty Ltd (trading as Biocycle) Enviroseptic Model 114 Model 114 approval dated 06/1995 (PDF, 400KB) Approved: 1995
Kingspan Water & Energy Pty Ltd BioFicient Series 1 
(Withdrawn)
Chief executive approval 01/2019 (PDF, 10.6MB) 19 Feb 2024
Kingspan Water & Energy Pty Ltd Kingspan Advanced BioFicient
(Withdrawn)
Treatment plant approval 04/2020 (PDF, 1.8MB) 10 Sept 2025
Nature Flow Systems Pty Ltd Nature Flow MK II STP Treatment plant approval 15/2021 (PDF, 2.6MB) 1 Jan 2024
Ozzi Kleen Ozzi Kleen Model RP10A Treatment plant approval 12/2021 (PDF, 695KB) 1 Jan 2024
Quality Tanks Pty Ltd Krystel Kleer Model ADV 5000 
(Withdrawn)
Treatment plant approval 02/2020 (PDF, 1MB) 1 Jan 2024
Quality Tanks Pty Ltd Krystel Kleer Model Poly ADV 5000
(Withdrawn)
Treatment plant approval 03/2020 (PDF, 907KB) 1 Jan 2024
Rivatec Environmental Pty Ltd Rivatec ES10PC Treatment plant approval 17/2020 (PDF, 657KB) 01 Jan 2024
Sayer Civil Pty Ltd Aerobic Sand Filtration (HTSP) Treatment plant approval 06/2021 (PDF, 739KB) 1 Jan 2024
Taylex Industries Pty Ltd Taylex ABS with UV Treatment plant approval 06/2020 (PDF, 385KB) 1 Jan 2024
Taylex Industries Pty Ltd Taylex ABS with Chlorine Treatment plant approval 07/2020 (PDF, 385KB) 1 Jan 2024
Toowoomba Tanks and Super-Treat Systems (Qld) Pty Ltd Super-Treat Model IT-AST Advanced Secondary Quality Wastewater Treatment System
(Withdrawn)
Treatment plant approval (PDF, 786KB) 1 Jan 2024