Moving SA Towards a Circular Economy - 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.

Consultation has concluded

  • Summary of Submissions and EPA Response Report released

    The EPA has completed its review of stakeholder submissions on proposed reforms to the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010 (W2R EPP). A Summary of Submissions and EPA Response Report (the Report) is now available. The Report summarises stakeholder feedback and outlines the EPA's response for each policy proposal.

    The EPA intends to progress the following reform areas as its first set of priorities. Other reforms are planned to be progressed as a later priority, as outlined in the Report.

    1. Product stewardship

    1. Feedback highlighted the need for stronger product stewardship arrangements to reduce problematic waste and support resource recovery.
    2. The EPA will further explore state-based product stewardship legislation to complement national schemes and fill gaps, with a focus on lithium-ion batteries as a priority area.
    3. This will ensure producers share responsibility for managing the lifecycle of their products, reducing environmental impacts and costs for councils and the community.

    2. Landfill bans

    1. Feedback strongly supported stronger measures to keep harmful and recoverable materials out of landfill.
    2. The EPA will undertake detailed feasibility assessments to support recommendation for additional landfill bans, with particular focus on:
      1. Batteries - to be progressed immediately, recognising fire, safety, and environmental risks.
      2. Segregated organics - to be advanced as a priority to reduce landfill emissions and improve resource recovery.
      3. Solar panels and wind turbine blades - with consideration of how supporting resource recovery pathways can be developed and promoted.
    3. This approach balances ambition with practical implementation to avoid unintended costs or disruption.

    3. Revised W2R EPP framework

    1. Feedback showed broad support for a modernised regulatory framework that provides clarity and consistency.
    2. The EPA will progress development of a revised W2R EPP regulatory framework for consultation, including objectives, principles, end of waste, and mandatory waste management requirements.
    3. This will ensure legislation is fit-for-purpose, responsive to new technologies, and supports highest-value use of materials.

    4. Three-bin systems and standardised bins - municipal solid waste

    1. Feedback supported consistent three-bin systems for households to improve recycling outcomes.
    2. The EPA will progress requirements for metro Adelaide councils to provide a three-bin system for households where practical and shift to providing consistent bin lid colours (via natural attrition).
    3. This will reduce contamination, make recycling easier for households, and support consistent state-wide messaging.

    5. Source separation and collection requirements - commercial and industrial waste

    1. Feedback supported the introduction of source separation and collection requirement for businesses and organisations, recognising the vital role that the sector plays in South Australia's transition to a circular economy.
    2. The EPA will undertake detailed cost-benefit analysis to design a staged approach to source separation and collection requirements for organics and recyclables, with a focus on high waste generating businesses.
    3. This evidence-based approach will ensure reforms are practical, proportionate, and deliver strong resource recovery outcomes.

    6. Local government reporting and kerbside audits

    1. Feedback emphasised the importance of accurate and timely data to measure progress and target improvements.
    2. The EPA will work with Green Industries SA and the SA Local Government Association to streamline reporting and strengthen kerbside auditing.
    3. Where necessary, mandatory requirements may be considered to ensure consistency, while minimising reporting burden.

    These priorities have been incorporated into actions under South Australia waste strategy, Accelerating SA's transition to a circular economy: South Australia's waste strategy 2025-2030, which was released by Green Industries SA (GISA) in December 2025.