The Victorian Recycling Infrastructure Plan (VRIP) is a long-term plan. It shows how Victoria will plan and invest in waste, recycling and resource recovery over the next 30 years. The VRIP supports Victoria’s transition to a circular economy.
The VRIP helps decision-makers at the state, regional, and local levels. It explains what infrastructure Victoria needs now and in the future. It also encourages investment and supports better recycling and waste services.
Recycling Victoria made the VRIP under the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021. It replaces the old Statewide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan. The first VRIP came out in October 2024. Recycling Victoria will review and update it every 3 years to help guide investment.
Obligations under the VRIP and the Environment Protection Act 2017
The VRIP helps EPA decide on waste and recycling permission applications. This is set out in sections 52A and 54 of the Environment Protection Act 2017.
Our role
We must:
- refuse to consider an application for a new landfill site if the site is not listed in the VRIP landfill schedule (section 52A(4)), unless:
- the site is privately owned, and
- the site will only take waste that belonged to the site owner before it became waste (section 52A(5))
- give written reasons if it refuses or does not consider an application (section 52A(6)).
In some cases, we may decide not to consider or may refuse a permission application if the proposed activity is not consistent with the VRIP or its landfill schedule (section 52A). This includes proposals to expand existing landfill sites that are not consistent with the VRIP (section 52A(3)).
To help ensure activities are consistent with the VRIP, we may add permission conditions (section 54(2)(c)). We may also seek advice from Recycling Victoria to support its assessment of whether a proposal aligns with the VRIP.
Industry’s role
If you are applying for a permission to operate a landfill, check that:
- your site is listed in the VRIP landfill schedule
- your plans are consistent with the VRIP.
If you are applying for a permission to operate a waste management facility, check that your plans are consistent with the VRIP.
Recycling Victoria’s role
Recycling Victoria manages waste and resource recovery services to support the circular economy. Visit their page on strengthening our waste and recycling system to learn more.
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