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
Manufacturers, chemical compan
Who It Affects
Environment Protection (Management of Prescribed Waste) Regulations 2021 affects Manufacturers, chemical companies, automotive workshops, printers, dry cleaners, and any business generating hazardous or prescribed waste. Governs the generation, storage, transport, treatment, and disposal of prescribed industrial waste (PIW) in Victoria. Requires tracking from cradle to grave via EPA's waste tracking system. Understanding and complying with this regulation is essential to avoid penalties and ensure responsible waste management.
What Is Environment Protection (Management of Prescribed W?
Governs the generation, storage, transport, treatment, and disposal of prescribed industrial waste (PIW) in Victoria. Requires tracking from cradle to grave via EPA's waste tracking system.
Key Requirements for Businesses
- All PIW must be tracked using EPA's online waste tracking system
- Transport certificates required for every PIW movement
- Only licensed transporters can carry PIW
- PIW categories include solvents, acids, heavy metals, contaminated soils, asbestos
- Annual reporting of PIW generation volumes
- Consignment authorisation required before transport
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 illegal disposal (Environment Protection Act 2017 s.133). EPA can issue clean-up notices and remedial directions.
How to Ensure Compliance
To ensure compliance with Environment Protection (Management of Prescribed Waste) Regulations 2021, 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
