Environmental regulation
WHAT SHOULD BUSINESSES BE DOING IN 2019?
Other enforcement initiatives established by regulators include: –– An unannounced multi-agency roadside operation which was initiated in November 2018 to combat the illegal transportation and dumping of waste. NSW’s five Regional Illegal Dumping ( RID ) Squads and Programs controlled the operation. 468 transport vehicles were inspected for waste transport and disposal compliance. 22 penalty notices and 16 official cautions were issued for offences such as uncovered loads and allowing waste to outflow onto the road, totalling a sum of AUD 16,447. –– ‘Waste Crime Task Force’ was established by the NSW EPA to investigate waste offences, illegal dumping, land pollution, and theft of waste metals and other valuable recyclables. –– Queensland’s ‘Operation TORA’ continues to investigate unlicensed waste operators and compliance with conditions of waste licences.
Businesses operating in the waste industry should remain aware of the changing policy landscape and expect that there will be greater push towards a national framework for waste management. As the EPA has detection and enforcement of waste crimes as a clear priority, operators should be continuing to review their practices and ensure compliance. Businesses must ensure any waste generated by their activities is transported for disposal, and disposed of, in accordance with the law. Appropriate due diligence ought to be taken to ensure any waste contractors engaged by the business are reputable, as the owner of the waste remains responsible for its lawful disposal.
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