Disclaimer: The information on this page references the Environment Protection Act 1970 and will be updated. For general air quality guidance, please see Air Quality.

The Environment Protection Act 1970 (the Act) covers Victorian air smoke Regulations. This includes the:

• State Environment Protection Policy – Ambient Air Quality
• State Environment Protection Policy – Air Quality Management
• Waste Management Policy (Solid Fuel Heating).

The State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPS) set objectives and goals for air quality in Victoria.

The Waste Management Policy promotes:

• the efficient use of resources
• reducing emissions from solid fuel heating.

EPA’s smoke monitoring

EPA monitors air quality around Victoria. Our air monitoring network measures particle size as units of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. This helps us to assess potential health impacts of smoke.

Wood smoke and the law

Smoke from heaters in homes increases in colder months. This is a source of pollution. Excess smoke can be a nuisance to neighbours and impact their health.

You’re required to reduce smoke from wood heating. Your local council has powers to enforce this. You can report wood smoke pollution to your local council.  

EPA administers the Waste Management Policy (Solid Fuel Heating). The Waste Management Policy recommends ways that you can reduce your smoke emissions.

• Use more efficient heating such as smaller logs, and very dry wood.
• Don’t pack the heater too full.
• Use pellet fuel heaters.
• Buy wood heaters that meet the Australian Standard ‘AS 4012’ and ‘AS 4013’.
• Have a licenced professional install your heaters.

What you can burn in a heater

You can only burn plant matter, such as wood or leaves, in a heater. You must not burn household waste.

You must not burn wood or timber from building materials or furniture. This type of wood may contain chemicals.

Read more about smoke 

About smoke 

Report smoke 

Smoke and your health