Regulation Guide
8 min read
By Pedro Carreira
Updated 25 June 2026
EPA Victoria
Regulating Authority
Breach of GED if activities ca
Max Penalties
Waste facility operators, indu
Who It Affects
Environment Reference Standard (ERS) affects Waste facility operators, industrial businesses, construction companies, and anyone managing waste near waterways, residential areas, or sensitive environments. Sets environmental quality objectives and indicators for ambient air, water, land, and noise. Waste management activities must not cause environmental values to be exceeded. Replaces the former State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs). Understanding and complying with this regulation is essential to avoid penalties and ensure responsible waste management.
What Is Environment Reference Standard (ERS)?
Sets environmental quality objectives and indicators for ambient air, water, land, and noise. Waste management activities must not cause environmental values to be exceeded. Replaces the former State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs).
Key Requirements for Businesses
- Waste activities must not degrade ambient environmental quality below ERS values
- Groundwater protection during waste storage and disposal
- Air quality standards for waste facility emissions
- Land quality objectives for waste storage areas
- Noise limits for waste collection and processing activities
- Consideration of cumulative impacts
Penalties and Enforcement
Breach of GED if activities cause exceedance of ERS values. EPA can take enforcement action based on monitoring data showing ERS exceedances.
How to Ensure Compliance
To ensure compliance with Environment Reference Standard (ERS), 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 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.
What are the penalties for illegal waste disposal in Victoria?+
Penalties under the EP Act 2017: indexed in penalty units (one unit = $203.51 in 2025-26) and rising each 1 July: aggravated littering can reach about $407,000 (2,000 penalty units) and serious pollution offences about $2.03 million for corporations (10,000 penalty units), while lower-level littering attracts smaller on-the-spot fines. Criminal penalties can include imprisonment.
Need Help With Compliance?
Bundle Waste ensures your waste management setup meets all Victorian regulatory requirements. Free compliance review included with every audit.
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Updated 25 June 2026
