Hazardous waste must be managed appropriately. If not, it has the potential to cause great harm to human health and the environment. Hazardous waste can:
- contaminate produce, soils, waterways and groundwater
- generate gases, explosions, fire, noise, odour and dust
- disrupt ecosystems and human health.
Our role
We administer the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989 by:
- issuing and reporting on permits for the export, import or transit of hazardous waste
- monitoring and enforcing compliance.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water oversees the policy relating to hazardous waste. Visit the department’s website to find out more about:
Online services
Apply for a hazardous waste permit through our Online Services portal.
Report a breach
Report a perceived breach of environmental law.
Waste exports
We also manage exports of others types of waste, including plastic, paper and cardboard, glass and tyres under the Recycling and Waste Regulation Act 2020.
Find out more about exporting waste.