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.

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.

Waste tyres are defined in the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 as 'end-of-life tyres' (EOL tyres) and refer to a used tyre that is no longer attached to a vehicle. It is important to note that an EOL tyre is not a reflection of its 'lawfulness' or whether it still has legal tread remaining for road use.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (the department) regulates the storage, transport and disposal of particular waste (including EOL tyres) that presents a higher risk to human health and the environment.

All parties involved in the generation, transport and receipt (including disposal or reuse) of EOL tyres collectively are referred to as waste handlers. Every person, as a waste handler, has legal obligations for the lawful transportation, disposal, and management of waste.

Responsibilities of generator

A generator, when used in the context of tracking waste, is a commercial or industrial business that produces or stores trackable waste and arranges for this waste to be sent for storage, recycling, treatment or disposal at another location via an authorised transporter. A business may still be taken to be a generator of EOL tyres regardless of whether the business generated the waste or received it from someone else.

A generator that is receiving and storing more than 4 tonnes or 4m³ of EOL tyres at any one time (approximately 500 passenger tyres), are required to hold an environmental authority, specifically (ERA) 62 – Resource recovery and transfer facility operation for which an EA is required.

EOL tyre generators are legally required to record, keep and submit waste tracking information to the department when EOL tyres are transported from your site. This information, known as prescribed information, is required to be completed for every load of EOL tyres being transported from your site. An exception to this requirement is if the generator has engaged another business to submit the prescribed information under an agent's agreement.

EOL tyres generators must provide the transporter with prescribed information that they will provide to the waste facility taking the EOL tyres (regulated waste). This information is known as waste tracking.

Responsibilities of the transporter

A transporter of EOL tyres is anyone who commercially transports the trackable waste from its place of generation or storage to another location. Transportation includes, but is not limited to, truck, tanker, trailer and semitrailer, train, boat or aircraft.

Tyre retailers (waste generators) are required to ensure the individual or company engaged to transport any amount of EOL tyres operates under a relevant EA for ERA 57 – Transporting Regulated Waste and completes documentation for waste tracking. It is recommended that tyre retailers obtain a copy of the EA before allowing any person to remove EOL tyres. It is an offence under s.96 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 for a generator to give trackable regulated waste to a transporter who does not hold an EA for ERA57.

If a tyre retailer chooses to transport EOL tyres themselves, the transporter may not need to hold an EA for ERA 57 if all of the following criteria is met:

1. the person transporting the waste is the occupier of the commercial premises where the waste is generated; and
2. the waste is transported from the premises free of charge; and
3. no more than 250kg of waste is being transported in the vehicle.

The transporter may also need to utilise waste transport certificates.

If these requirements are not met, tyre retailers will need to obtain an EA for ERA 57 from the department or engage a licensed transporter to transport the waste.

Responsibilities of receiver

A receiving waste facility is defined as a facility that operates the recycling, reprocessing, treatment, storage, incineration, conversion to energy, sorting, consolidation or disposal (including disposal to landfill) of waste.

To operate a receiving waste facility, you must hold an Environmental Authority (EA) for the relevant Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA).

In addition to obligations relating to the conditions of the EA, and the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), the receiving facility also has responsibilities relating to the waste tracking of EOL tyres. These include:

• Recording of the prescribed information onto the waste tracking form (paper-based WTC) or via the Connect system at the time the waste is received.
• Provide a copy of this information to the department by either emailing or posting the completed paper WTC to the department within 7 days of the waste being received OR submitting the information to Connect.
• Notify the department within 7 days of becoming aware of a discrepancy in the information received from the transporter when compared to the nature of the actual load of waste received. For example, the transporter has indicated that 200 tyres have been transported but there are only 100 tyres that you have received.
• Keep the records identified above for at least 5 years.

Read the Management of end-of-life tyres (waste tyres) information sheet (PDF, 283KB).

End of life tyres as a resource

The end of waste (EOW) framework recognises the value of waste by providing a process for the development of new markets for recovered waste materials. It provides certainty about when, and under what circumstances, a waste ceases to be waste and is considered a resource under Chapter 8 of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.

Under the EOW framework, a waste can be deemed a resource under an EOW code or an EOW approval. EOW codes relate to any registered resource producer for the respective codes and an EOW approval relates to only the holder of the approval. An EOW approval is issued to a single holder for the purpose of trialling the use of a waste as a resource to provide proof of concept.

A waste can be approved as a resource (called an end of waste resource) if the department considers that it meets specified quality criteria for specified use prior to it going to the end user. If a waste is approved as an end of waste resource under the WRR Act, it is no longer considered a waste for the purposes of the EP Act as described in s.13 of that Act until it is disposed or otherwise illegally dumped or littered.

Read about the End of waste framework.

Also consider...

• Find out how to apply for an environmental authority (EA).
• Learn more about environmentally relevant activities (ERA).
• Find forms and fees for environmental authorities.

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 the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (the department) 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.

Review of the EOW framework

In 2023 the department engaged an independent consultant to undertake a review of the EOW framework. The purpose of the review was to assess the extent to which the framework meets and supports its original intent and objectives.

The EOW Framework Review Report (PDF, 1.6MB) includes key findings and recommendations for improvements and modifications to the EOW framework which provide for:

• greater certainty for the application of the definition of waste and for the various pathways that may create a resource from waste
• increased reuse of waste as a resource and improved circular economy outcomes
• improved processes for nominating and creating EOW codes
• facilitating greater connections between resource producers and resource users
• greater strategic approach to identifying waste suitable for EOW codes
• investigating a number of changes to the EOW framework such as specific approvals that may facilitate significantly more reuse and recovery of waste
• periodic review and consolidation of codes to avoid duplication and ensure reuse is being facilitated adequately.

The department supported 35 of the 37 recommendations in principle. The remaining 2 recommendations are either related to matters the department does not control or there is a lack of evidence of the issues occurring.

Read more about the Departmental response: Independent review of the EOW framework (PDF, 286KB) recommendations and findings.

The department will continue working with interested parties to implement the recommendations in the report to enable greater opportunity for increased reuse and recovery and improved circular economy outcomes.

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 (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 the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (the department) 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 the department
• 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

The department 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 the department.

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 the department 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 the department, use the resource user for an end of waste code notification form.

Current EOW codes

*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.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (the department), 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 the department, 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 interested parties the opportunity to provide comment on the proposed EOW code.

The most recent call for submissions opened on 20 October 2025 and closed on 30 January 2026. The next call for submissions will be made in the second half of 2026.

Although the department calls for submissions annually, proponents can engage with the department throughout the year on the development of EOW codes. The submission for proposed end of waste code form, or alternatively, the application for pre-lodgement services form, may still be used to request a pre-design/pre-lodgement meeting outside of the annual submission period.

For more information, contact RRS.Consultation@detsi.qld.gov.au with 'EOW codes' in the email subject heading.

Notice inviting comment on draft EOW codes

There is no consultation draft available for submissions currently.

Technical advisory panels

Technical advisory panels may be established by the department 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:

1. 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.
2. Be well established in the nominated area(s) of expertise evidenced through qualifications, experience, or professional recognition.
3. Be a member of a relevant professional organisation(s) where applicable.
4. Be willing to provide inputs intermittently over a given period (approximately 6 months) on a volunteer basis.
5. Provide a resume demonstrating the general requirements above and provide 2 professional referees.
6. 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@detsi.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@detsi.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@detsi.qld.gov.au, with the subject heading 'EOI – consultation on draft codes':

• your name
• company name (if applicable)
• email
• 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.

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 (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 the Environment, Tourism, 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 were given a decision notice relating to an application for an EOW approval that was either refused or approved/amended with conditions and are not satisfied with the decision or conditions, you may apply for an internal review. The internal review application must be:

• made to the chief executive (i.e. the department) on the application for an internal review form (ESR/2015/1633) (DOCX, 121KB) (the approved form)
• supported by enough information to enable the application to be decided
• made within 14 calendar days of being given the notice.

The internal review application form also allows you to seek a stay to the original decision. If granted, a stay will effectively pause the decision from taking effect and any action being carried out against the decision. You may alternatively apply for a stay of the original decision of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) using the Application to stay a decision (form 44). The stay may be given on conditions the department or QCAT considers appropriate, and the stay operates for the period fixed by the department or QCAT. The stay may also be amended or revoked by the relevant entity.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal review decision, you may pursue an external review of the decision from QCAT. However, an external review of a decision is not available unless an internal review of the decision has first been applied for and decided.

Sections 174–179 of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 detail the internal review process.

If you are eligible and wish to request an internal review of an original decision, complete and submit the application for an internal review form (ESR/2015/1633) (DOCX, 121KB) within 14 days of receiving the information notice for the original decision. This form provides guidance to assist in making the application.

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).

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, 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 (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.