Illegal waste disposal program

About our program

Launched in 2021, EPA's illegal waste disposal program is focused on disrupting illegal, large-scale industrial and hazardous waste disposal practices.

The program supports the regulatory framework by:

disrupting illegal business models
developing innovative regulatory interventions
ensuring those who dispose of waste illegally are identified and face the full legal consequences of their actions.

About illegal waste disposal and how to report it

What this program does not focus on

Small-scale illegal waste disposal operators (this is managed by local councils and EPA's OPLE program).
Illegal waste disposal at municipal landfills (this is managed by local councils and EPA's OPLE program).
Illegal waste dumping at the community level (we have a new program launching in March 2023).

About large-scale, illegal waste disposal practices

Large scale illegal waste disposal often involves criminal networks. Potential large financial gain drives their actions and they use sophisticated methods in an attempt to avoid detection.

Compliance and enforcement

Our program uses data analytics, as well as our industry and community knowledge to deter illegal waste disposal, and reduce community acceptance of illegal waste disposal.

We use a range of regulatory tools to find, investigate and prosecute illegal waste disposal offences. These include:

data analytics
intelligence, including interagency networks
surveillance, including our drone program and ground penetrating radar
site inspections
co-regulatory partnerships between government agencies, law enforcement, local councils, co-regulators and key stakeholders.
formal investigations and prosecutions under the Environment Protection Act 1970.

How we guide the construction industry

EPA guides the construction and demolition industries on their waste management practices. Our guidance focuses on helping waste producers, waste transporters and waste receivers to understand their obligations, so they can do the right thing.

Businesses that generate, accept, manage or transport industrial waste must:

know and follow EPA’s guidelines on waste management, transport and disposal
ensure their sub-contractors can show EPA they have disposed of waste in the right way.