Classification is how industrial waste is identified and described. Most types of industrial waste are pre-classified in Schedule 5 of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021(opens in a new window).
However, Schedule 5 may not cover every type of industrial waste. For these types of waste, we can issue a designation.
A designation can classify or categorise a new waste. For an existing waste that is pre-classified in the Regulations, it can:
- change how the classification applies, or
- fill any gaps in the classification.
Designations make it possible for us to consider new circumstances and emerging issues in waste. For example, a designation can:
- allocate a new waste code if there's no applicable waste code
- reclassify a waste from reportable priority waste to priority waste in specific circumstances
- reclassify a waste from Category A to Category B for disposal
- allow waste to be mixed, blended or diluted to a lower-risk category.
Designations are commonly used for:
- soils with naturally high levels of some substances, such as naturally occurring metals or fluorides
- immobilised waste, where movement of contaminants in the waste into the environment has been restricted to minimise harm
- circumstances where a waste code or priority waste category is not available.
A waste classification set out in a designation takes precedence over a waste classification in Schedule 5 of the Regulations.
Types of designations
There are 2 types of designations:
- general – a designation that applies generally to a type of waste
- specific – a designation that applies to an individual person who has management or control of waste.
A general designation applies to anyone managing or controlling waste under the circumstances covered by the designation.
Specific designations are valid for up to 5 years. They include conditions to manage risks of harm. For example, they might specify how to store the waste and the maximum quantity of waste you can store.
We can also issue a general designation to facilitate a product stewardship scheme or a government collection scheme or program.
When you apply for a designation, it's specific to you and your circumstances. You must meet strict criteria before we issue a designation. Visit Apply for a designation.
We can only issue a designation when we're satisfied that managing the waste under the designation will not pose a risk of harm to human health or the environment and that:
- you cannot classify the waste without one, or
- not issuing one would make it very difficult (undue burden) to manage or control the waste.
A designation does not authorise a site to receive a particular type of waste. If you're managing waste under a designation, you must make sure your waste is taken to a place authorised to receive it (lawful place).
You do not need a designation if you can manage or control your waste in accordance with a determination – for example, for aggregates or fill materials.
Current general designations
We publish general designations on our public register.
Current specific designations
We publish specific designations we've issued on our public register.
Example of a designation
A manufacturer implements a new production system. This results in a waste that does not clearly fit a description in Schedule 5 of the Regulations.
The waste producer classifies the waste using the criteria in Table 2 of the Waste classification assessment protocol.
The waste producer classifies the new waste as priority waste, but there's no relevant waste code. In this situation, the waste producer should contact us to discuss if they need to apply for a designation.
Updated