Waste regulations in NSW
In NSW, acts and regulations govern waste management. Those who handle, store, transport, process, recycle and dispose of waste must follow these rules to minimise harm to human health and the environment. The EPA provides leadership to ensure NSW has a fair, modern and well-regulated waste industry.
Waste legislation in NSW
Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997
The principal environmental protection legislation for NSW is the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act). The act
- defines 'waste' for regulatory purposes
- establishes management and licensing requirements for waste
- defines offences relating to waste and sets penalties
- establishes the ability to set various waste management requirements via the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014 (Waste Regulation)
Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014
The Waste Regulation allows the EPA to protect human health and the environment, and provides a platform for a modern and fair waste industry.
It includes strict thresholds for environment protection licences, and outlines the waste levy system.
Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001
The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001 (WARR Act) promotes waste reduction and better use of our resources in NSW. It includes provisions for waste strategies and programs, and for industry actions to reduce waste.
More information
- Search clean-up notices in the POEO public register
- Land pollution offence
- Land pollution defence
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