Regulation Guide
8 min read
By Pedro Carreira
Updated 25 June 2026
EPA Victoria
Regulating Authority
Up to 10,000 penalty units (ab
Max Penalties
Every Victorian business and i
Who It Affects
General Environmental Duty (GED) affects Every Victorian business and individual — particularly waste generators, transporters, and facility operators. The cornerstone obligation under the EP Act 2017. All persons engaging in activities that pose risks to human health or the environment must minimise those risks so far as reasonably practicable. Applies proactively, not just after harm occurs. Understanding and complying with this regulation is essential to avoid penalties and ensure responsible waste management.
What Is General Environmental Duty (GED)?
The cornerstone obligation under the EP Act 2017. All persons engaging in activities that pose risks to human health or the environment must minimise those risks so far as reasonably practicable. Applies proactively, not just after harm occurs.
Key Requirements for Businesses
- Proactive identification of risks to human health and environment
- Risk elimination or minimisation so far as reasonably practicable
- Applies to waste generation, storage, transport, and disposal
- Consideration of state of knowledge and available technology
- Due diligence in selecting waste service providers
- Documentation of risk assessments and control measures
Penalties and Enforcement
Up to 10,000 penalty units (about $2.03 million) for corporations and 2,000 penalty units (about $407,000) for individuals for breach of GED. No actual harm needs to occur — the duty is preventative.
How to Ensure Compliance
To ensure compliance with General Environmental Duty (GED), 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.
Get Your Free Audit →
Updated 25 June 2026
