Regulation Guide
8 min read
By Pedro Carreira
Updated 25 June 2026
EPA Victoria
Regulating Authority
Operating without a licence: u
Max Penalties
Waste facility operators, recy
Who It Affects
EPA Licensing and Works Approvals affects Waste facility operators, recycling plant operators, composting facilities, transfer stations, landfill operators, waste-to-energy proponents. Businesses operating waste treatment, storage, or disposal facilities require EPA licences. Works approvals needed before constructing or modifying waste facilities. Replaced development licences under the 2017 Act. Understanding and complying with this regulation is essential to avoid penalties and ensure responsible waste management.
What Is EPA Licensing and Works Approvals?
Businesses operating waste treatment, storage, or disposal facilities require EPA licences. Works approvals needed before constructing or modifying waste facilities. Replaced development licences under the 2017 Act.
Key Requirements for Businesses
- Operating licence required for scheduled waste activities
- Works approval needed before building or modifying facilities
- Annual licence fees based on risk category
- Compliance with licence conditions including monitoring and reporting
- Financial assurance may be required for high-risk facilities
- Public notification requirements for licence applications
Penalties and Enforcement
Operating without a licence: up to 10,000 penalty units (about $2.03 million) for corporations. Licence conditions are legally enforceable. Breach can result in licence cancellation.
How to Ensure Compliance
To ensure compliance with EPA Licensing and Works Approvals, 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.
How should a Melbourne port or dock business manage waste?+
Port businesses face additional regulations under the Protection of the Sea legislation for ship-generated waste. Land-based port businesses generate: industrial waste, packaging, fuel and oil waste (hazardous), and general waste. Port of Melbourne has specific waste management requirements for tenants. EPA scrutiny is heightened in port areas due to proximity to waterways. Monthly cost: $500–5,000.
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.
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Updated 25 June 2026
