Residue waste - overview
OEH and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) jointly developed the 'Residue Wastes Regulation' as a precautionary approach to the application of certain residue wastes that can be applied to land for the purpose of growing vegetation. The regulatory requirements form part of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005 under Part 5, clause 44.
NSW Government policies on sustainability include encouraging beneficial use of wastes rather than simply disposing of them. However, this is only appropriate where such use would not cause harm to the environment, human health or agriculture.
The Residue Wastes Regulation aims to clearly distinguish the beneficial use of wastes from practices which may be harmful. The Regulation prohibits the application to land of certain industrial by-product wastes for the purpose of growing plants. OEH will grant an exemption from the prohibition where it can be shown that those wastes will not cause harm to agriculture, the environment and human health and will be of benefit.
Page last updated: 19 May 2011
