Waste

Waste Management Hierarchy

EPA is commited to reducing the amount of waste generated in Victoria and uses the waste’s hierarchy as the key guiding principle (see below).  The hierarchy is in the Environment Protection Act 1970  (the Act) and states that all waste should be managed in accordance with the hierarchy with avoidance being the most preferred option and disposal being the least.

 

Most Preferable
Least Preferable

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What is waste?

Waste is defined by the Act as any matter, whether solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive, which is discharged, emitted or deposited in the environment in such volume, constituency or manner as to cause an alteration of the environment.  Wastes generated from commercial or industrial sources that are potentially hazardous to humans or the environment require a higher level of control and are called ‘prescribed wastes’ or ‘prescribed industrial wastes’.  These wastes are regulated under the Environment Protection (Industrial Waste Resource) Regulations 2009.

Generally waste is any material or substance that is of no further use and has been discarded.  If not properly managed waste can cause pollution and adverse impacts on the environment. Disposing of waste that could be reused or recycled is often a waste of resources, a lost opportunity and a waste of money.

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Types of waste

Municipal wastes are typically collected from households by local councils through kerbside collections.  In 2005 – 2006 metropolitan households recycled 44% of their waste (such as paper, glass, plastics and green waste) and the remaining 56% (residual waste) was disposed to landfill.

Commercial and industrial wastes pose a low hazard to the environment and arise from commercial, industrial or trade activities and include construction and demolition wastes.

Prescribed Industrial Wastes are generated by a commercial or industrial site and have the potential to be hazardous to human health or the environment.

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What is EPA’s role in waste?

EPA is responsible for the development and implementation of Victoria's statutory framework for waste. The framework provides for solid wastes, such as municipal (household), commercial, industrial and prescribed wastes. The framework helps to drive resource efficiency, sustainable waste management and the prevention of pollution in Victoria through mechanisms including:

• environmental laws
• statutory tools (including financial assurances)
• EPA's business sustainability program, which encourages industry to pursue waste minimisation and cleaner production programs
• Environment and Resource Efficiency Plans (EREP)
• partnerships with Victorian communities, including businesses, government, individuals and groups.

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Working with government agencies and groups

EPA works with other government bodies such as the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), Sustainability Victoria, regional and metropolitan waste management groups and local government on waste policy development, regulation and program delivery.

Sustainability Victoria (SV) develops Statewide strategies for municipal, commercial and industrial wastes. SV provides information and advice to business, government and the community on various issues including: recycling, energy efficient building and green power etc.  To see their programs and services in more detail please visit the Sustainability Victoria website.

The Metropolitan Waste Management Group was created in October 2006 by an amendment to the EP Act which amalgamated the four previous Regional Waste Management Groups in Melbourne.  The group was formed to plan and facilitate waste management activities for its 30 member councils’. The group has worked with Sustainability Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and EPA Victoria to develop a (draft) for the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Strategic Plan (viewed here).  The plan has been developed in three separate parts, the Metropolitan Plan, the Infrastructure Schedule and the Landfill Schedule and will guide the delivery of some of the key targets and intentions of the Government's Towards Zero Waste strategy in Melbourne. 

Regional waste management groups (RWMGs) are responsible for planning municipal solid waste management in rural and provincial Victoria and were established by an  amendment to the Act in 1996.  There are 12 rural and provincial regions, each encompassing one or more municipalities.  The groups work in partnership with member municipal councils developing regional plans to implement statewide policies, strategies and programs at a local level. The groups also play a key role in educating the community about waste and environmental issues and they facilitate and foster best practice in waste management within their region of responsibility.

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How to turn your waste into a valuable resource

The Waste Exchange Database , developed by EPA and the Victorian Waste Management Association (VWMA), brings waste generators and potential waste receivers together to find reuse or recycling options for wastes that would otherwise be disposed to landfill. You can browse the database for wastes that are wanted or available for reuse or recycling or simply register on-line to place a free advertisement.

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What you can do to reduce household waste

Sustainability Victoria provides advice for various household waste related issues such as:

• recycling
• battery back
• detox your home (getting rid of unwanted chemicals, paints etc)
• waste wise
• sustainable building
• and more…

To find out more please visit the Sustainability Victoria website. 

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