Regulation Guide
8 min read
By Pedro Carreira
Updated 25 June 2026
WorkSafe Victoria
Regulating Authority
WorkSafe can issue improvement
Max Penalties
All businesses with employees
Who It Affects
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations — Waste Handling affects All businesses with employees who handle, sort, or manage waste materials. OHS regulations apply to all waste handling activities in the workplace. Businesses must ensure safe systems of work for employees handling waste, including manual handling, chemical exposure, and biological hazards. Understanding and complying with this regulation is essential to avoid penalties and ensure responsible waste management.
What Is Occupational Health and Safety Regulations — Waste?
OHS regulations apply to all waste handling activities in the workplace. Businesses must ensure safe systems of work for employees handling waste, including manual handling, chemical exposure, and biological hazards.
Key Requirements for Businesses
- Risk assessment for waste handling activities
- Manual handling training for waste collection staff
- PPE requirements for hazardous waste handling
- Needle-stick injury protocols for clinical waste
- Safe work method statements for high-risk waste activities
- Emergency procedures for chemical spills and exposure
Penalties and Enforcement
WorkSafe can issue improvement and prohibition notices. Fines for OHS breaches up to $3.3 million for corporations. Manslaughter charges possible for gross negligence.
How to Ensure Compliance
To ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Regulations — Waste Handling, 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
