Regulation Guide
8 min read
By Pedro Carreira
Updated 25 June 2026
WorkSafe Victoria / EPA Victoria
Regulating Authority
Up to $327,600 for corporation
Max Penalties
Construction companies, demoli
Who It Affects
Occupational Health and Safety (Asbestos) Regulations 2017 affects Construction companies, demolition contractors, building owners, property managers, renovation businesses working with pre-2003 buildings. Strict regulations governing the identification, removal, transport, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. Requires licensed removalists for friable asbestos and quantities over 10m2. Understanding and complying with this regulation is essential to avoid penalties and ensure responsible waste management.
What Is Occupational Health and Safety (Asbestos) Regulati?
Strict regulations governing the identification, removal, transport, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. Requires licensed removalists for friable asbestos and quantities over 10m2.
Key Requirements for Businesses
- Asbestos audit required before demolition or renovation of pre-2003 buildings
- Licensed Class A removalist required for friable asbestos
- Licensed Class B removalist required for non-friable asbestos over 10m2
- Removal plan and notification to WorkSafe required
- Double-bagged in 200-micron polyethylene for transport
- Disposal only at EPA-licensed facilities
- Air monitoring during and after removal
Penalties and Enforcement
Up to $327,600 for corporations and $65,520 for individuals under OHS Act. Criminal charges possible for reckless exposure. EPA fines for illegal dumping.
How to Ensure Compliance
To ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (Asbestos) Regulations 2017, businesses should: maintain accurate waste records, use licensed waste transporters, and conduct regular waste audits. Bundle Waste includes a compliance review as part of every free waste audit.
Related Waste Services
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is prescribed industrial waste in Victoria?+
Prescribed Industrial Waste (PIW) includes: chemicals, solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, asbestos, clinical waste, contaminated soil, and waste oils. PIW is classified under the EP Regulations 2021 and must be tracked through EPA's waste tracking system. Penalties for illegal PIW disposal reach about $2.03 million.
What is the EPA waste tracker system?+
EPA Victoria's waste tracker system digitally tracks prescribed industrial waste (PIW) from generation to disposal. Waste generators must create a consignment for each PIW movement; transporters confirm pickup and delivery. Non-compliance is an offence under the EP Regulations 2021.
What are the asbestos disposal requirements in Victoria?+
Bonded asbestos requires Class B licensed removalist; friable asbestos requires Class A. All must be double-wrapped in 200 micron polyethylene, labelled, and transported to licensed landfill. Disposal costs $300–500/tonne. Illegal disposal carries penalties up to about $2.03 million.
What are the main waste management laws in Victoria?+
Key legislation: Environment Protection Act 2017, Environment Protection Regulations 2021, Climate Change Act 2017, Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021. The EP Act 2017 introduced a general environmental duty (GED) requiring all businesses to minimise risks of harm from pollution and waste.
What is the General Environmental Duty in Victoria?+
The GED under Section 25 of the EP Act 2017 requires businesses to take reasonably practicable steps to minimise risks of harm to human health and the environment from pollution and waste. This is proactive — you must manage risks before harm occurs. Penalties reach about $2.03 million for corporations.
Do I need an EPA licence for waste management in Victoria?+
You need an EPA licence if you operate a scheduled premises (landfill, transfer station, waste treatment facility) or transport prescribed industrial waste. General businesses generating standard commercial waste do not need a licence but must use licensed transporters and disposal facilities.
Need Help With Compliance?
Bundle Waste ensures your waste management setup meets all Victorian regulatory requirements. Free compliance review included with every audit.
Get Your Free Audit →
Updated 25 June 2026
