Review of the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010

Consultation has concluded

Have your say on the review of the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010.

What was consulted about?

The Environment Protection Authority are reviewing the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010 (W2R EPP) to:

  • modernise South Australia’s approach to the regulation of resources and wastes and
  • enable the development of a more circular economy.

To support this review, the discussion paper, Beyond recycling: Moving SA towards a more circular economy was released for public consultation. The paper outlined key issues, opportunities and potential policy options to advance South Australia's transition to a circular economy. 

The discussion paper identified several key review areas and options including:

  1. Supporting the transition to a circular economy.
  2. Avoiding waste generation.
  3. Maximising resource recovery.
  4. Supporting a strong market for recovered resources.
  5. Protecting the environment and human health from waste pollution.
  6. Circular economy metrics, reporting and transparency.

Public consultation on the discussion paper included information and engagement sessions across South Australia, including Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln, Berri and Victor Harbor.  A total of 120 submissions were received from a broad range of stakeholders during the twelve-week public consultation period. 

Background

The W2R EPP provides the regulatory framework for South Australia’s waste management objectives, such as those outlined in the SA Waste Strategy. Since the commencement of the W2R EPP in 2010, there have been significant changes to the waste and resource recovery sector and to the operating environment.

This review provides an opportunity to address these matters and explore policy initiatives that contribute to the South Australian government’s commitments to a circular economy and achieving zero net emissions by 2050. Transitioning to a circular economy is vital to addressing climate change as 45% of global emissions come from the way we produce and consume.

A modernised Environment Protection Policy (EPP) can:

  • reduce the generation of waste,
  • further the circular economy,
  • contribute to the state’s greenhouse gas reduction targets, and
  • drive a strong market demand for recovered resources.

What are the next steps?

The EPA is currently considering feedback to inform next steps and priority reform areas. Next steps will build on insights from the public consultation process and aim to modernise South Australia’s waste and resource recovery framework, address emerging risks, and strengthen alignment with circular economy objectives.

Have your say on the review of the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010.

What was consulted about?

The Environment Protection Authority are reviewing the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010 (W2R EPP) to:

  • modernise South Australia’s approach to the regulation of resources and wastes and
  • enable the development of a more circular economy.

To support this review, the discussion paper, Beyond recycling: Moving SA towards a more circular economy was released for public consultation. The paper outlined key issues, opportunities and potential policy options to advance South Australia's transition to a circular economy. 

The discussion paper identified several key review areas and options including:

  1. Supporting the transition to a circular economy.
  2. Avoiding waste generation.
  3. Maximising resource recovery.
  4. Supporting a strong market for recovered resources.
  5. Protecting the environment and human health from waste pollution.
  6. Circular economy metrics, reporting and transparency.

Public consultation on the discussion paper included information and engagement sessions across South Australia, including Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln, Berri and Victor Harbor.  A total of 120 submissions were received from a broad range of stakeholders during the twelve-week public consultation period. 

Background

The W2R EPP provides the regulatory framework for South Australia’s waste management objectives, such as those outlined in the SA Waste Strategy. Since the commencement of the W2R EPP in 2010, there have been significant changes to the waste and resource recovery sector and to the operating environment.

This review provides an opportunity to address these matters and explore policy initiatives that contribute to the South Australian government’s commitments to a circular economy and achieving zero net emissions by 2050. Transitioning to a circular economy is vital to addressing climate change as 45% of global emissions come from the way we produce and consume.

A modernised Environment Protection Policy (EPP) can:

  • reduce the generation of waste,
  • further the circular economy,
  • contribute to the state’s greenhouse gas reduction targets, and
  • drive a strong market demand for recovered resources.

What are the next steps?

The EPA is currently considering feedback to inform next steps and priority reform areas. Next steps will build on insights from the public consultation process and aim to modernise South Australia’s waste and resource recovery framework, address emerging risks, and strengthen alignment with circular economy objectives.

  • Survey

    This survey covers all of the key policy reform areas as set out in the discussion paper. It contains questions relating to each of the key policy reform areas but does not cover all proposed policy changes. It is designed to seek broad views rather than detailed submissions. If you wish to make a detailed submission, please use our editable feedback form. 

    We strongly recommend reading the discussion paper prior to completing this survey. 

    This survey will take approximately 20 - 30 minutes to complete depending on how many questions you choose to answer and how much feedback you choose to provide. 

    You can skip any key policy reform areas and/or questions you don't wish to answer.  


    Consultation has concluded