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Home / Regulations / Unreasonable Noise and Odour Provisions

Managing waste noise and odour in Victoria

Assess waste collection noise and storage odour in Victoria. Review sources, practical controls, site conditions and responses to complaints.

Illustration accompanying Unreasonable Noise and Odour Provisions
Illustrative image

Sources checked 18 September 2026. Scope: Victoria, with Australian schemes identified where relevant.

Plan storage and collections around the site's noise and odour risks. A generic collection timetable or separation distance cannot establish compliance for every business. Source: EPA Victoria — Control noise from your business.

What applies

EPA recommends identifying noise sources, choosing effective controls and investigating complaints. Its odour guidance prioritises preventing or controlling the source; masking agents such as air fresheners are not effective odour-pollution controls. Source: EPA Victoria — Control noise from your business; EPA Victoria — Control odour from your business.

Practical checks for your business

These suggested planning steps help organise site information; they are not an exhaustive legal compliance checklist.

  1. Record where and when collections, equipment or stored material create concerns, including neighbouring uses.
  2. Review access, timing, storage duration, cleaning and equipment maintenance with the site manager and provider.
  3. Keep a complaint/action log. Get specialist assessment where measurement or engineered controls are needed, and check site conditions.

Confirm the requirement for your site

For a disputed requirement or enforcement issue, ask the relevant authority or qualified adviser to identify the current provision and how it applies. Do not rely on an old penalty amount or general website summary.

Keep a usable decision record

Keep assessments, acceptance conditions, responsible contacts and supporting records together. Note what needs confirmation before changing the service or starting work.

Common question

Will deodoriser solve an odour complaint?

Do not rely on masking the smell. Investigate the material, storage and collection process and address the source.

Discuss your collection requirements

Contact Bundle Waste with the waste type, site and collection requirements. Keep specialist legal, environmental or safety assessment separate from the collection request.

Sources

Primary guidance checked 18 September 2026. Review due 18 October 2026, or sooner if requirements change.