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:

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:

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...

  • Last reviewed: 29 Aug 2024
  • Last updated: 12 Sep 2024