At the Auto Parts Recyclers Division AGM on Monday 2 September, an information session was held with the Waste Reform Implementation Team from the Department of Environment and Science on the recent waste reforms affecting your business.

The session included:

• a powerpoint presentation which can be accessed HERE
• the process for surrendering an environmental authority – the link to relevant information is https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/environment/licences-permits/surrender-transfer/surrender.

• The process for requesting a payment plan for annual fees:

1. Wait until a new invoice for annual fee is received from the department.  A request for a payment plan cannot be commenced until this invoice has been received.
2. Send an email, including your environmental authority number as reference, to palm@des.qld.gov.au requesting information about different payment options available to you.
3. Alternatively, you can also call the Permit and Licence team on 1300 130 372 (option 4) and request to speak to someone about payment options.

• A further option to assist with fees relates to the potential for paying a reduced annual fee. A number of options are available, however the most applicable for a metal recovery business may be the approved partner discount (10% reduction in fees). More information can be found at https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/assets/documents/regulation/era-is-reduced-annual-fee.pdf

There was a question regarding the use of plastic fragmentisers which is still open for response.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact  waste.reform@des.qld.gov.au or make contact directly with MTA Queensland member services info@mtaq.com.au.