On 1 July 2019 the Department of Environment and Science (the department) implemented new waste classifications and waste activity thresholds through the Environmental Protection (Waste ERA Framework) Amendment Regulation 2018.  These changes occurred as a result of a review undertaken by the department between 2014 and 2018.

In undertaking the review, certain waste activities including metal recovery were identified as posing a much higher environmental risk than was reflected by their level of regulation. As a result, metal recovery is now regulated by the department and is defined as ERA62 Resource recovery and transfer facility operation and ERA 54 Mechanical waste reprocessing (for those businesses who have a fragmentiser).

The fee structure that applies under the new ERA62 and ERA54 is commensurate with the level of environmental risk posed by the activity because of the category of waste being received. As automotive equipment is deemed to be a general waste, most operators of wrecking yards are only required to hold an approval for receiving general waste, rather than requiring a more expensive approval for receiving category 1 or category 2 regulated waste.

To assist existing operators in preparing for the change, the new annual fee will not apply until the first anniversary day of the environmental licence that falls after 15 November 2019. Enquiries about the waste reform changes can be made by email to waste.reform@des.qld.gov.au

25 July 2019