Landfill Ban Classifications

Topics on this page

• Overview
• Classification for grease interceptor trap waste
• Classification for used oil filters
• Classification for large containers
• Classification of contaminated soils mandated for reuse and recycling

Overview

Classifications that ban waste streams from landfill are issued when alternative reuse or recycling options are identified.  This results in higher treatment standards for many prescribed wastes that have previously been taken to landfill for disposal.  The higher treatment enables the energy to be recovered from waste streams turning what was once deemed a waste into a recoverable, reuseable and/or valuable resource. 

Currently the landfill bans include, grease interceptor trap waste, used oil filters, large containers and soils contaminated with organic compounds.

 

Classification for grease interceptor trap waste

EPA Publication 955 – Classification for Grease Interceptor Trap Waste (Adobe PDF, 113KB) this document explains the requirements for waste generators, transporters and facilities that receive large containers and how EPA will implement the classification. 

Retail food businesses such as restaurants and fast food outlets use grease traps to capture food, grease and solids before discharging wastewater to sewer. The residual waste that is captured is called grease interceptor trap waste and is one of the highest volume prescribed industrial waste streams in Victoria.  It is estimated that the landfill ban diverts more than 5000 tonnes of this waste from disposal to reuse and recycling options, such as composting and grease recovery, ensuring this waste is recognised as a valuable resource. 

Background and draft documents

Publication 956 – Response to Comments – Draft Classification for Grease Interceptor Trap Waste (Adobe PDF, 134KB)
EPA Publication 890 – Draft Classification for Grease Interceptor Trap Waste (Adobe PDF, 213KB)

 

Classification for used oil filters

EPA Publication 1102 - Classification for used oil filters (Adobe PDF, 111KB) explains the requirements for waste generators, transporters and facilities that receive large containers and how EPA will implement the classification.

Used oil filters are generated mainly by automotive workshops from servicing vehicles. This classification mandates that used oil filters must be recycled to recover valuable metal and oil resources from and estimated 2000 tonnes generated in Victoria each year. 

Background and draft documents

EPA Publication 1103 - Response to comments – Draft classification for used oil filters (Adobe PDF, 137KB)
EPA Publication 1023 - Draft classification for used oil filters (Adobe PDF, 155KB)

 

Classification for large containers                                                      

EPA Publication 1100 - Classification for large containers contaminated with prescribed industrial waste (Adobe PDF, 120KB) explains the requirements of the classification for waste generators, transporters and facilities that receive large containers and how EPA will implement the classification.

EPA has classified rigid steel and plastic containers with an original volume greater than or equal to 200 litres to be reused or recycled to recover valuable metal and plastic resources. It is estimated that up to 2000 tonnes of containers will be diverted from landfill to reuse and recycling options, ensuring the recovery of resources and reducing waste volumes disposed to landfill.

Background and draft documents

EPA Publication 1101 - Response to comments (large containers) Draft classification for rigid packaging (Adobe PDF, 108KB)
EPA Publication 1024 - Draft classification for rigid packaging (Adobe PDF, 258KB)

 

Classification For Contaminated Soil

EPA has published this classification and will implement it by amending landfill licences to prohibit the acceptance of contaminated soils once one or more facilities are developed.

EPA Publication 878 Classification For Contaminated Soil (Adobe PDF, 187KB) explains the requirements of the classification for waste generators, transporters and facilities that receive soils contaminated with organic compounds and how EPA will implement the classification.  The classification was published in Government Gazette No. S183 p27 (2000) (Adobe PDF, 462KB).

EPA has classified the following prescribed industrial waste soils contaminated with:

• monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• total petroleum hydrocarbons
• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• organochlorine compounds

as wastes for which opportunities for reuse, recycling, recovery of energy and treatment will be available in the foreseeable future.

In some instances it may be practicable and environmentally beneficial to store or treat soil on site. Any such activities must be undertaken in accordance with the general provisions of the policy and any site specific directions and controls established by EPA.

Background and draft document

EPA Publication 879 – Draft Classification – Contaminated Soils Responses To Comments ( Adobe PDF, 205KB).

If you have any queries please contact the EPA.