Waste Compliance in Western Australia
Navigating industrial waste regulations in WA is complex. Perth City Waste keeps your facility on the right side of the EPA, DWER, and Australian Standards — so you can focus on production, not paperwork.
Why Compliance Matters
Industrial waste mismanagement carries serious consequences in Western Australia — from Regulatory infringement notices and license suspensions through to significant financial penalties and reputational damage. The regulatory framework is detailed, and the obligations on waste generators are real.
As a licensed waste contractor, Perth City Waste operates within this framework every day. We understand what your facility is required to do, what documentation you need to keep, and how to structure your waste management to satisfy auditors, insurers, and regulators alike.
Key Regulations & Frameworks
Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA)
The primary environmental legislation in Western Australia. Governs the storage, transport, treatment, and disposal of prescribed industrial waste. Facilities generating prescribed waste must use a licensed contractor and maintain accurate records of all waste movements.
Waste Avoidance & Resource Recovery Act 2007
Establishes WA's waste hierarchy — avoidance, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal. Industrial facilities are expected to demonstrate active waste minimisation and resource recovery efforts as part of their environmental obligations.
Contaminated Sites Act 2003 (WA)
Requires reporting of known or suspected contaminated sites. Improper disposal of liquid or chemical waste can trigger contamination obligations. Using a licensed contractor with proper disposal documentation is your primary defence.
Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code)
Governs the classification, packaging, labelling, and transport of dangerous goods by road and rail. Applies to hazardous liquid and solid waste streams. All Perth City Waste transport vehicles and drivers are ADG Code certified.
National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs)
Federal measures including the Used Packaging Materials NEPM and the Assessment of Site Contamination NEPM. Relevant to facilities managing packaging waste, contaminated soils, and site remediation activities.
ISO 14001 Environmental Management
The international standard for environmental management systems. Many industrial clients require their waste contractors to operate to ISO 14001-aligned processes. Perth City Waste procedures are aligned to this standard, supporting your own certification.
Your Obligations as a Waste Generator
Under WA law, the responsibility for waste does not end when it leaves your gate. As the generator, you have ongoing obligations.
Use a Licensed Contractor
Controlled wastes must be collected and transported by an DWER-licensed waste contractor. Using an unlicensed operator exposes your facility to joint liability.
Accurate Waste Classification
Waste must be correctly classified before collection. Misclassification — even unintentional — can result in improper disposal and regulatory action against the generator.
Maintain Consignment Records
Waste consignment documentation must be retained for a minimum of five years and made available to regulators on request. We provide full documentation for every collection.
Duty of Care
WA's duty of care provisions mean you can be held liable for environmental harm caused by your waste, even after it has left your premises. Proper documentation and licensed contractors are your protection.
Incident Reporting
Spills, leaks, and uncontrolled releases of prescribed waste must be reported to the EPA. Our 24/7 emergency response service helps you contain incidents and meet reporting timeframes.
Trade Waste Approvals
Facilities discharging liquid waste to sewer require a trade waste agreement with their water utility. We can advise on what requires approval and help you structure compliant disposal arrangements.
How Perth City Waste Supports Compliance
Full Documentation Package
Every collection comes with a waste consignment note, transport certificate, and disposal confirmation — everything you need for your records and any regulatory audit.
Correct Waste Classification
Our team classifies waste streams accurately before collection, ensuring the right disposal pathway is used and your documentation reflects the actual waste type.
Licensed Disposal Facilities
We only use DWER-approved treatment and disposal facilities. You receive confirmation of the disposal pathway for every waste stream we collect from your site.
Waste Audits & Reporting
We conduct on-site waste audits and produce detailed reports to support your environmental management system, sustainability targets, and regulatory submissions.
24/7 Emergency Response
Spill response and emergency waste collection available around the clock. Rapid deployment to help you contain incidents, meet reporting obligations, and minimise liability.
Compliance Advisory
Not sure what applies to your facility? Our team can walk you through your obligations, review your current waste arrangements, and identify any gaps before a regulator does.
Get Your Compliance in Order
Talk to our team about a waste management plan that keeps your facility fully compliant — and fully documented.