Industrial Residues

A National Approach

Some industrial residues are valuable for their soil conditioning and fertiliser properties, and by using them in this way they can contribute to the reduction of waste going to landfill. If appropriate reuse occurs, it may also facilitate government objectives in implementing improved waste management solutions to reduce the environmental impact of waste.

The Environment Protection and Heritage Council has developed a national approach to the reuse and recycling of industrial wastes, focusing primarily on their application to land. The national approach focuses on those materials generated at industrial facilities (such as bauxite residues, steel slag and fly ash), which may be considered for use as a fertiliser, soil ameliorant, soil conditioner and/or soil stabiliser in agriculture.

The national approach outlines:

• criteria for determining whether a particular industrial residue is fit for reuse
• supporting information that would be needed from proponents so that a determination can be made on the reuse of an industrial residue material.

A copy of the document can be downloaded below.