Compliance
2 min read
By Pedro Carreira
Updated 25 June 2026
Solar panel cleaners generate minimal waste: used cleaning solution (biodegradable solutions can go to stormwater in most cases), damaged squeegees and tools, packaging, and general waste.
If using chemical cleaning agents, check trade waste requirements for rooftop runoff. Monthly waste: $30–80.
The main environmental consideration is ensuring cleaning runoff does not introduce chemicals to stormwater systems.
Key Numbers
- Monthly waste cost: $30–80
- EPA max corporate fine (GED breach): about $2.03 million
- Metro landfill levy (2025–26): $169.79/tonne
- Saving via an independent broker: up to 30%
What You Need to Know
A solar panel cleaning company generates very little physical waste — the genuine issue is rooftop cleaning runoff reaching stormwater, not the cost of a depot bin. At $30–80/month, your waste line is small; the compliance line is where attention belongs.
- Used cleaning solution — biodegradable solutions can go to stormwater in most cases; chemical agents cannot without checking trade-waste rules for rooftop runoff.
- Damaged squeegees and tools — general waste.
- Packaging — recycle by material.
Ensuring cleaning runoff introduces no chemicals to stormwater is a direct application of the General Environmental Duty (GED), where an EPA breach can reach about $2.03 million for a corporation. Because the waste stream is so light, the saving for a business like yours is in not paying for an oversized or mispriced contract — Bundle Waste audits the invoice for free, compares a network of providers, and is paid only from the savings we find, up to 30%.
Related Resources
Related Questions
What recycling is mandatory for Victorian businesses?+
Under Recycling Victoria, all businesses are transitioning to a four-stream system: general waste, commingled recycling, paper/cardboard, and food organics. Large food businesses generating 50+ kg/week must separate food waste. Contamination of recycling streams can result in fines and service refusal.
What are the penalties for contaminating recycling?+
Businesses face: service refusal from providers, reclassification as general waste (40–100% cost increase), surcharges of $50–200/incident, and EPA action under the GED. Material Recovery Facilities reject loads with over 10–15% contamination.
What waste do mechanic and auto repair shops generate?+
Auto shops generate: used oil (free collection 200L+), oil filters, scrap metal ($50–200/month rebate), tyres ($5–10 each), batteries (free — lead value), chemical waste (PIW). Used oil needs bunded storage with 110% containment. Monthly cost: $200–600.
How should a commercial cleaning company manage its own waste?+
Cleaning companies generate: chemical containers (triple-rinse for recycling), used mop heads and cloths (general waste or textile recycling), vacuum cleaner dust (general waste), and packaging. Chemical concentrate drums may be hazardous if not fully emptied. Return drums to suppliers where possible. Monthly depot waste: $100–300. Train staff to properly dispose of chemicals at client sites.
What waste do commercial farms near Melbourne generate?+
Peri-urban farms near Melbourne generate: organic waste (crop residue, animal waste), chemical containers (pesticides, fertilisers — potentially hazardous), plastic mulch and drip tape, packaging, and machinery waste (oil, tyres, batteries). AgriChemical drumMuster scheme provides free collection of eligible chemical containers. Farm waste is subject to the regional landfill levy of $84.78/tonne.
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Updated 25 June 2026
