Movement of Controlled Waste NEPM

The National Environment Protection Measure ensures that controlled wastes that are to be moved between States and Territories are properly identified, transported, and handled in ways that are consistent with environmentally sound practices. In part, the NEPM replaces the National Waste Manifest and Classification System guidelines developed by ANZECC. The ANZECC guidelines have no legislated authority, and were not universally adopted within Australia.

tracking systems which provide information to assist agencies and emergency services, and ensure that controlled wastes are directed to and reach appropriate facilities;

prior notification systems which provide participating States and Territories with access to information, to assess the appropriateness of proposed movements of controlled wastes in terms of transportation and a facility selection process; and

the licensing and regulation of generators, transporters and facilities so that tracking and notification functions are compatible with participating State and Territory requirements.

The NEPM includes a list of Controlled Wastes which will be subject to procedures for information collection and sharing between jurisdictions.

2004 Minor Variation

Following a review of the NEPM, in December 2004 the NEPC made a minor variation to the NEPM to allow for;

exclusions to the NEPM for national recalls undertaken under the direction of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, or the Therapeutic Goods Administration

exemptions to the NEPM for approved Extended Producer Responsibility and recycling schemes.

Click here for a copy of the Movement of Controlled Waste between States and Territories NEPM as varied December 2004.