Regulation Guide
8 min read
By Pedro Carreira
Updated 25 June 2026
EPA Victoria
Regulating Authority
Fines for pouring used oil dow
Max Penalties
Restaurants, cafes, takeaway s
Who It Affects
Used Cooking Oil Collection and Recycling affects Restaurants, cafes, takeaway shops, food manufacturers, commercial kitchens, caterers, and cooking oil recycling companies. Used cooking oil is classified as a prescribed waste when collected for recycling or disposal. Must be managed under the PIW framework. Illegal disposal to sewer causes significant infrastructure damage. Understanding and complying with this regulation is essential to avoid penalties and ensure responsible waste management.
What Is Used Cooking Oil Collection and Recycling?
Used cooking oil is classified as a prescribed waste when collected for recycling or disposal. Must be managed under the PIW framework. Illegal disposal to sewer causes significant infrastructure damage.
Key Requirements for Businesses
- Used cooking oil must not be poured down drains or into general waste
- Collection by licensed waste oil recyclers
- Storage in appropriate sealed containers
- PIW transport tracking required
- Grease trap maintenance to prevent oil entering sewer
- Records of oil disposal must be maintained
Penalties and Enforcement
Fines for pouring used oil down drains (trade waste offence). PIW tracking requirements apply. Melbourne Water enforces grease trap and oil disposal compliance.
How to Ensure Compliance
To ensure compliance with Used Cooking Oil Collection and Recycling, 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 waste management does a Melbourne commercial composting facility need?+
Composting facilities themselves generate: contamination removed from feedstock (plastics, metals — 5–15% of incoming volume), equipment waste, and office waste. Facilities must hold EPA operating licences. Fire prevention per EPA Publication 1667.2 is critical. Odour management is the primary community concern. Facilities accept food and green waste at $100–160/tonne, producing compost sold at $30–80/tonne.
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
