New Hazardous Waste Regulations

The Victorian Environment Protection (Prescribed Waste) Regulations 1998 (old Regulations) have been replaced by the Environment Protection (Industrial Waste Resource) Regulations 2009 (new Regulations), which came into effect on 1 July. The new regulations are supported by Industrial Waste Resource Guidelines which can be found on the Environment Protection Authority's website, and Industrial Waste Guidelines published in the Government Gazette on 9 June 2009.

Objectives of the new Regulations

The intent underlying the new Regulations is to establish a legislative framework which protects the environment. In particular, the new Regulations are aimed at assisting industry to implement the waste hierarchy, which seeks to avoid, reuse and recycle waste, with disposal being the last option. They are also aimed at encouraging industry to use industrial waste as a resource, particularly where a secondary beneficial use is available.