Feedback
Regulated waste classification and management
Queensland is working to become a zero-waste society, eliminating waste before it is produced, reducing it's quantity and toxicity. Read more about the waste management and resource recovery strategy.
Environmentally relevant activities (ERA) are industrial activities with the potential to release contaminants into the environment. In Queensland, ERAs relating to 'waste' are managed under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Environmental Protection Regulation 2019.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, 'waste' is made up of general waste, such as household waste, and regulated waste which requires a higher level of management to prevent harm to the environment or human health.
Under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, a waste can be approved as a resource under the end of waste (EOW) framework if the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation considers that it has a beneficial use and it meets the specified resource quality criteria for specific use under a code or an approval.
This guide explains how regulated waste is classified and management in Queensland and how the EOW framework works.
Regulated waste classification
The Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 (the Regulation) includes a risk-based waste classification framework where regulated waste is classified as either:
- category 1 regulated waste (highest risk)
- category 2 regulated waste (moderate risk)
- not-regulated waste/general waste (lowest risk).
The regulated waste classification provisions in the Regulation are used to identify and appropriately manage the risks associated with various wastes and related waste management activities.
Schedule 9 of the Regulation provides a list of regulated wastes and their default category, wastes that are not regulated waste, and categorisation thresholds for solid and liquid tested waste.
Waste generators are responsible for classifying their waste into a risk-based category by either:
- adopting a default waste category from Part 1 of Schedule 9 of the Regulation
- organising sampling and testing of their waste by an appropriately qualified person to demonstrate an appropriate risk-based category in accordance with section 43 of the Regulation—the overview of regulated waste categorisation guideline (ESR/2019/4749) (PDF, 664KB) outlines this process.
Where an appropriate risk-based category is demonstrated in accordance with section 43 of the Regulation, the waste is referred to as 'tested waste'. While the test results remain valid (maximum of 3 months) the waste can be transported and processed or disposed of under the Regulation as the category of waste it became through the testing process. The waste generator and waste receiver must record prescribed information for each load of tested waste using the record of tested waste form (ESR/2019/4862) (DOCX, 118KB).
Also consider...
- Learn about your waste tracking obligations.
- Read about the end of waste (EOW) framework.
- Find forms and fees for environmental authorities.
- Learn how to apply for an environmental authority.
Management of regulated waste
Approval to transport regulated waste
The Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 (the Regulation) defines regulated waste and the environmentally relevant activity (ERA) of regulated waste transport (ERA57). You may be required to hold on environmental authority (EA) for ERA57 under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (the Act) if you transport regulated waste. Holding an EA for ERA57 allows you to transport regulated waste in Queensland and meet your responsibilities as a waste handler under the Act.
Read Schedule 2 of the Regulation for further details on when an EA for ERA57 is required.
Tracking of regulated waste
Under the Regulation, waste handlers must submit waste tracking information when transporting regulated waste or waste residues. Read Managing waste tracking in Queensland – overview (PDF, 212KB) for an overview of waste tracking requirements within Queensland.
Waste tracking ensures that waste is transported and managed in a way that helps prevent illegal waste management activities, which may cause environmental harm. View a list of trackable regulated waste.
The facility receiving the waste must also hold an EA for the relevant ERA(s) for storage, recycling, treating or disposing of the waste. There are a range of ERAs described in Schedule 2 of the Regulation that relate to waste management.
Read more about obligations of the waste generator, waste transporter and waste receiver, set out under the Regulation and Act.
Also consider...
- Find out how to apply for an environmental authority (EA).
- Learn more about environmentally relevant activities (ERA).
- Learn more about waste tracking in Queensland.
- Find forms and fees for environmental authorities.
End of waste framework
The end of waste (EOW) framework under Chapters 8 and 8A of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 promotes resource recovery opportunities and aims to transform the perception of waste from being seen as waste to being valued as a resource.
Read the EOW guideline (ESR/2016/3323) (PDF, 270KB).
The EOW framework consists of:
- EOW codes – specifies outcomes that a registered resource producer needs to achieve in order for a waste to be deemed a resource
- EOW approvals – used when there is a potential market/demand for a resource, but an EOW code has not yet been developed.
A waste can be approved as a resource if the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation considers that it meets specified quality criteria for its specific use. If a waste is approved as a resource under the EOW framework, it is no longer considered a waste under section 8AA of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. However, if the resource is not used in accordance with the EOW code or approval, it is deemed to be a waste.
Benefits of operating under an EOW code may include:
- less regulation for the reuse of waste (e.g. approvals relating to regulated waste are not required)
- volumes of waste disposed to landfill are reduced, reducing the cost associated with disposal
- costs from using raw materials may be reduced
- reuse of the waste may have a monetary value.
Beneficial use approval framework
The EOW framework replaced the beneficial use approval (BUA) framework on 8 November 2016.
Under the transitional provisions in the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, resources approved under specific BUAs issued prior to this date can continue to be used as a resource for the uses specified under those approvals until the end of the approval period for the BUA (the period specified in the relevant notice).
Also consider...
- Read the EOW guideline (ESR/2016/3323) (PDF, 618KB).
- Learn more about EOW codes.
- Find and comment on draft EOW codes.
- Learn more about EOW approvals.
End of waste codes
End of waste (EOW) codes specify outcomes that need to be achieved for a waste to be deemed a resource. It states requirements for the registered resource producer as well as conditions for the use of the resource.
View the list of current EOW codes below.
Where the use of a waste as a resource has been demonstrated to have benefits through sustainable use and negligible environmental risks, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) may consider developing an EOW code.
A waste producer may supply a waste as a resource under an EOW code only if they:
- have registered with DESI
- can comply with the requirements of the code
- take responsibility for ensuring that the resource supplied to resource users
- meets the criteria and quality characteristics specified in the code
- and
- is used in accordance with the conditions imposed on the use of the resource.
Developing EOW codes
DESI calls for submissions annually for the development of EOW codes. While submissions on all resource types are considered, the decision on whether or not to develop an EOW code is at the discretion of DESI.
Find out more about development of EOW codes, including current draft EOW codes open for public consultation.
Register to operate under an EOW code
A person must register as a resource producer to operate under an EOW code.
If a person is not registered as a resource producer, the material is deemed to still be a waste and must be continued to be managed in accordance with relevant waste management provisions under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.
Users of the resource do not need to register with DESI unless the EOW code specifically requires notification under the conditions of the EOW code. Penalties may apply if the requirements and/or conditions of an EOW code are not complied with.
To register as a resource producer, or to stop being registered as a resource producer, for an EOW code, use the registered resource producer for an end of waste code notice of registration form.
If the EOW code also requires the proposed user of the resource to notify DESI, use the resource user for an end of waste code notification form.
Current EOW codes
Approved resource | EOW code reference | Notice of minor amendments* |
---|---|---|
Abattoir effluent pond sludge and crust |
ENEW07617019 ESR/2019/5400 (PDF, 329KB) | |
ACQ treated timber shavings |
ENEW07607119 ESR/2020/5213 (PDF, 328KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Amorphous silica powder |
EOWC010001220 ESR/2022/5975 (PDF, 395KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Associated water (including coal seam gas water) |
ENEW07547018 ESR/2019/4713 (PDF, 388KB) | 10 December 2019 – correct approval date error. 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 18 August 2023 – Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 updated to Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 and fax number removed. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Associated water for irrigation (including coal seam gas water) |
ENEW07546918 ESR/2019/4712 (PDF, 477KB) | 10 December 2019 – correct approval date error. 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 18 August 2023 – Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 updated to Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 and fax number removed. 8 January 2024 – remove requirement to submit to the chief executive and retain records of resource monitoring and management plans. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Biosolids |
ENEW07359617 ESR/2018/4548 (PDF, 555KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Blast furnace slag |
EOWC010001641 ESR/2023/6404 (PDF, 419KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Carbide lime |
EOWC010001052 ESR/2022/5933 (PDF, 329KB) | 13 June 2022 – remove a condition in Section 7 related to approved uses. 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and definition of serious or material environmental harm updated and correction to versioning errors. |
Chemically treated solid timber |
ENEW07503218 ESR/2019/4933 (PDF, 315KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Coal combustion products |
ENEW07359717 ESR/2018/4549 (PDF, 441KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Coal seam gas drilling mud |
ENEW07543018 ESR/2018/4550 (PDF, 155KB) | 8 October 2019 – Updated to reflect changes to the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Concrete (Liquid washout) |
ENEW07602719 ESR/2020/5249 (PDF, 362KB) | 9 November 2020 correct clerical error in Requirement 6.3 e) vi and x 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Concrete (Returned concrete) |
ENEW07278517 ESR/2020/5247 (PDF, 344KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Concrete (Solid washout) |
ENEW07602819 ESR/2020/5248 (PDF, 345KB) | 9 November 2020 correct clerical error in Requirement 6.3 e) vi and x 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Digestate |
EOWC010001054 ESR/2022/6156 (PDF, 468KB) | 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Dunder |
ENEW07503118 ESR/2019/4934 (PDF, 381KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Ferronickel slag |
ENEW07576219 ESR/2020/5413 (PDF, 327KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Ferrous chloride |
ENEW07530718 ESR/2020/5478 (PDF, 333KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Ferrous sulphate heptahydrate |
ENEW07597919 ESR/2019/5175 (PDF, 367KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Fertiliser wash water and slurry |
ENEW07278417 ESR/2018/4173 (PDF, 309KB) | 16 October 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Fibre cement board |
ENEW07359417 ESR/2021/5858 (PDF, 384KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Foundry sand |
ENEW07359617 ESR/2018/4551 (PDF, 383KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Garnet sand |
EOWC010000731 ESR/2021/5665 (PDF, 333KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Glass fines |
EOWC010001051 ESR/2022/6183 (PDF, 317KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Oyster shells |
ENEW07278317 ESR/2018/4174 (PDF, 122KB) | 28 March 2024 –department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Paunch |
ENEW07597819 ESR/2020/5243 (PDF, 361KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Plasterboard |
ENEW07618819 ESR/2021/5629 (PDF, 372KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Recycled aggregates |
ENEW07604819 ESR/2021/5565 (PDF, 307KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Silica fume |
EOWC010001828 ESR/2023/6357 (PDF, 365KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Spent sulphuric acid |
EOWC010000394 ESR/2021/5637 (PDF, 329KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Sugar refinery clarifier sludge |
ENEW07576119 ESR/2019/5171 (PDF, 356KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Sugar mill by-products |
ENEW07359817 ESR/2018/4440 (PDF, 382KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Tyres (End-of-life tyres) |
ENEW07503018 ESR/2020/5244 (PDF, 698KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Used vegetable oil |
ENEW07611019 ESR/2020/5258 (PDF, 314KB) | 23 June 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
Water treatment residuals |
ENEW07503318 ESR/2019/4944 (PDF, 337KB) | September 2023 – reflect waste definition moving from Environmental Protection Act 1994 to the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. 28 March 2024 – department name and the definition of serious or material environmental harm updated. |
*A minor amendment is an amendment of the code to correct a minor or formal error, or to make another change that is not of substance and does not adversely affect the interests of a registered resource producer or a person who is likely to receive a resource from the registered resource producer. Notices of minor amendments are shown since the last gazetted version of the respective EOW code.
Also consider...
- Find out how EOW codes are developed, and how to comment on current draft EOW codes.
- Learn about EOW approvals.
- Read about the EOW framework.
- Learn about waste tracking obligations.
Development of draft end of waste codes
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI), under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, may develop an end of waste (EOW) code.
Annual call for submissions
The department calls for submissions annually for the development of EOW codes. While submissions on all resource types are considered by DESI, the decision on whether or not to develop an EOW code is at the discretion of the department.
Where the department considers that a waste has properties that make it comparable to a product and has negligible environmental risks, it may develop a draft EOW code for the waste. A technical advisory panel may be established by the department for the development of an EOW code.
Once a draft EOW code has been developed, it will undergo a public consultation process to allow all stakeholders the opportunity to provide comment on the proposed EOW code.
The most recent call for submissions opened on 17 November 2023 and closed on 31 January 2024. The next call for submissions will be made in the second half of 2024.
Although DESI calls for submissions annually, proponents can engage with DESI throughout the year on the development of EOW codes. Complete the application for pre-lodgement services form to request a pre-design/pre-lodgement meeting outside of the annual submission period.
For more information, contact RRS.Consultation@des.qld.gov.au with 'EOW codes' in the email subject heading.
Notice inviting comment on draft EOW codes
Notice of proposed action
This Notice is issued under section 172(2) of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 to advise that the chief executive is proposing to amend the following End of Waste Code. Any person may make a written submission to the chief executive about the proposed action by close of business 03 June 2024 via email to RRS.Consultation@des.qld.gov.au.
Paunch (ENEW07597819)
- Notice of proposed action – End of Waste Code for Paunch (PDF, 177KB)
- Proposed amendment of End of Waste Code for Paunch (PDF, 450KB)
- Current End of Waste Code for Paunch (ENEW07597819) (PDF, 352KB)
Consultation period closes on 03 June 2024.
A person may make a submission to the chief executive about the draft EOW code during the consultation period. All submissions received during the consultation period will be considered before deciding whether or not to make the EOW code.
Where possible, when making a submission you should provide comments on the draft EOW code through your industry representative using the headings below. This will help to ensure that comments received by the department can be duly considered in a timely manner.
Section/page reference | Summary of issue | Comments |
---|---|---|
<submitter to provide> | <submitter to provide> | <submitter to provide> |
Written submissions are to be provided to RRS.Consultation@des.qld.gov.au before 5pm on the day the consultation period closes.
Technical advisory panels
Technical advisory panels may be established by DESI to prepare draft EOW codes, or to advise on draft EOW codes or amendments to EOW codes.
You may express your interest in being added to a list of experts who could be part of a technical advisory panel. Note: The department is under no obligation to invite persons on the list to participate on a technical advisory panel.
Interested persons will need to:
- Nominate a waste material(s), waste type(s), or other specific area(s) of expertise in which you are qualified and experienced. Other specific areas of expertise may include, for example, chemicals, environmental assessment and expertise associated with the potential end use of a waste.
- Be well established in the nominated area(s) of expertise evidenced through qualifications, experience, or professional recognition.
- Be a member of a relevant professional organisation(s) where applicable.
- Be willing to provide inputs intermittently over a given period (approximately 6 months) on a volunteer basis.
- Provide a resume demonstrating the general requirements above and provide 2 professional referees.
- Provide a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) demonstrating the skills relevant to the area(s) of expertise.
Send details, demonstrating the general requirements above, to RRS.Consultation@des.qld.gov.au with 'TAP EOI – waste type' as the subject heading.
This is an open invitation and expressions of interest (EOI) are welcome at any time. The department will review EOIs as they are received and advise you of the outcome. If you have any questions regarding the process to establish a technical advisory panel, or the role of the panel in development or amendment of an EOW code, email RRS.Consultation@des.qld.gov.au.
Schedule of proposed EOW codes
The following schedule provides details on the development of draft EOW codes.
Register your interest in being consulted when a draft EOW code is being prepared, by sending the following details to RRS.Consultation@des.qld.gov.au, with the subject heading 'EOI – consultation on draft codes':
- your name
- company name (if applicable)
- postal address
- telephone
- the EOW code(s) that you wish to be consulted on.
Note: All the draft EOW codes listed in the schedule will be made publicly available on this website for consultation and registration is not essential to provide comment.
Waste | Proposed use | TAP identified as required | Date for commencement of draft code development | Proposed date for completion of draft code development |
---|---|---|---|---|
Glycerol | Feedstock in manufacturing compost | No | Public consultation completed | Public consultation completed |
Biochar | Fertiliser/soil conditioner | No | Public consultation completed | Public consultation completed |
Ferrous Slag | Bound and unbound applications | No | Public consultation completed | Public consultation completed |
Note: In the event of any changes to the proposed date for completion following unforeseen circumstances, an update will be provided on this website.
Also consider...
- Read about the EOW framework.
- Learn about EOW codes, including the current approved EOW codes.
- Learn about EOW approvals.
End of waste approvals
End of waste (EOW) approvals are primarily intended to be used when there is a potential market/demand for a resource and an EOW code for that resource has not been developed.
EOW approvals are considered on a trial basis for reusing waste as resources and to apply to a single holder for the purpose of the trial. The EOW approval will be issued only for the length of time required to undertake the trial, with only 1 extension to the approval period being granted if required.
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation will consider the findings of the trial (e.g. benefits, sustainability, environmental impacts and environmental best practice) prior to deciding whether an EOW code should be developed for that waste type.
Pre-design/pre-lodgement meetings
Applicants can participate in a pre-design/pre-lodgement meeting with the department to help identify if an application for an EOW approval should be submitted, and if so, what information to submit with the application, identify any issues relevant to a specific project, and to receive guidance on regulatory expectations. These meetings are free of charge and may assist in reducing assessment timeframes.
To request a pre-design/pre-lodgement meeting, complete the application for pre-lodgement services form.
Apply for a EOW approval
All applications for EOW approvals must include the following forms:
- Part A—General details for all applications (ESR/2015/1663) (DOCX, 180KB)
- Part B—End of waste approval (ESR/2016/3279) (DOCX, 179KB)
- Suitably qualified person written report (ESR/2016/3290) (DOCX, 163KB) – applications for new, and amendments to existing EOW approvals require this report to support the application.
Transitional arrangements for existing beneficial use approvals
Existing specific beneficial use approvals (BUA) can continue to be used for the uses specified under the approval until the end of the approval period for the BUA.
Review of decision
If you have been affected by a decision in relation to an EOW approval, you may have review rights.
Sections 174–179 of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 detail the internal review process. An internal review must be requested prior to pursuing a review from other external parties.
If you are eligible to request an internal review, complete the application for an internal review form (ESR/2015/1633) (DOCX, 121KB).
Enquiries
Permits and Licensing
Phone: 1300 130 372 (Option 4)
Email: palm@des.qld.gov.au
Also consider...
- Read about the EOW framework.
- Learn about EOW codes, including the current approved EOW codes.
- Find out how EOW codes are developed, and how to comment on current draft EOW codes.
- Read the EOW guideline (ESR/2016/3323) (PDF, 618KB).
Asbestos waste management
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation licenses businesses that transport asbestos waste and landfills that accept this waste.
Businesses that breach their environmental authority conditions or carry out these activities without an environmental licence may be fined or prosecuted.
When asbestos waste has been illegally dumped, the department can issue a fine or prosecute the person who has dumped the asbestos under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. Removal of the asbestos waste is the responsibility of the land owner. Members of the public can report littering or illegal dumping online or by phoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
The department is also involved in the investigation of fires and other incidents where both asbestos and chemicals are released to the environment. The investigations seek to determine whether someone has breached the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
Also consider...
- Learn more about asbestos, including transport and disposal of asbestos waste.
- Find out about asbestos removal and assessor licence requirements.
- Read your waste tracking obligations when transporting asbestos.
Vacuum excavation (non-destructive drilling)
Vacuum excavation (also referred to as non-destructive drilling or hydro excavation) involves removing soil and debris using highly pressured water and an industrial vacuum to excavate underground services (e.g. electrical and communication cables). This technique breaks up the ground, turns it into a slurry with water, then the slurry is vacuumed up into a debris tank. The resultant slurry is known as drilling mud waste.
Drilling mud waste arising from vacuum excavation may comprise of a mixture of naturally occurring rock, soil, organic matter (i.e. tree roots, grass and other plant material) and drilling fluid, which primarily consists of water and may also contain non-synthetic additives such as bentonite.
Managing drilling mud waste
It is the responsibility of operators (drillers/transporters/receivers) to manage drilling mud waste in accordance with the General environmental duty (under s.319 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) and take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise any environmental harm.
If there is reason to believe that your drilling mud waste is contaminated with a regulated waste or has come from a site listed on the Environmental Management Register or Contaminated Land Register (EMR/CLR), it may need testing and categorisation prior to disposal. The information sheet Overview of regulated waste categorisation (ESR/2019/4749) (PDF, 664KB) will assist further with this process.
There are a range of potential management options dependent upon the categorisation of the drilling mud waste and will often include the separation into a solid and a liquid waste stream. Without further testing results of the drilling mud waste, the specifics of the disposal method cannot be determined. The composition of the drilling mud waste must be cross-checked against the list of regulated wastes in the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019.
Drilling mud waste generated from vacuum excavations is most commonly classified as a general waste and may be clean earth. However, when the vacuum excavation occurs on a site listed on the EMR/CLR or where the soil is contaminated with regulated waste (e.g. asbestos residues) it is classified as a regulated waste. Clean earth used as fill can be used without a permit if you meet your general environmental duty under the EP Act.
Waste disposal facilities for drilling mud waste
Waste disposal facilities must hold relevant environmental authorities to take different types and amounts of waste. Some facilities may have conditions to accept only certain types of waste (or to not accept specific wastes). If you propose to dispose of this waste, contact your local council or waste management service provider in your area.
Also consider...
- Learn about your general environmental duty responsibilities.
- Find out about managing contaminated land.
- Read about the waste levy and your business.
- Find out about the regulated waste classification.
- Read about managing regulated waste in Queensland.
© The State of Queensland 1995–2024
- Last reviewed: 08 Sep 2021
- Last updated: 08 Sep 2021