Regulation Guide
8 min read
By Pedro Carreira
Updated 25 June 2026
EPA Victoria
Regulating Authority
Disposing of contaminated soil
Max Penalties
Construction companies, civil
Who It Affects
Industrial Waste Management Policy (Waste Acid Sulfate Soils) / Soil Disposal Categories affects Construction companies, civil contractors, developers, landscapers, and any business excavating or disposing of soil. Regulates the classification and disposal of excavated soils. Soils must be categorised (fill, clean fill, or contaminated) before disposal. Acid sulfate soils require specific management. Applies to construction and development projects. Understanding and complying with this regulation is essential to avoid penalties and ensure responsible waste management.
What Is Industrial Waste Management Policy (Waste Acid Sul?
Regulates the classification and disposal of excavated soils. Soils must be categorised (fill, clean fill, or contaminated) before disposal. Acid sulfate soils require specific management. Applies to construction and development projects.
Key Requirements for Businesses
- Soil must be classified before off-site disposal (clean fill, fill, prescribed waste)
- Sampling and analysis according to IWRG guidelines
- Acid sulfate soil management plans required in coastal and at-risk areas
- Contaminated soil is prescribed industrial waste requiring tracking
- Receiving sites must be authorised to accept the waste category
- Documentation trail from excavation to final disposal
Penalties and Enforcement
Disposing of contaminated soil as clean fill carries significant fines. EPA enforcement for incorrect soil classification. Clean-up liability for contamination spread.
How to Ensure Compliance
To ensure compliance with Industrial Waste Management Policy (Waste Acid Sulfate Soils) / Soil Disposal Categories, 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 asbestos disposal requirements in Victoria?+
Bonded asbestos requires Class B licensed removalist; friable asbestos requires Class A. All must be double-wrapped in 200 micron polyethylene, labelled, and transported to licensed landfill. Disposal costs $300–500/tonne. Illegal disposal carries penalties up to about $2.03 million.
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
