Striking a waste-to-energy balance

Victoria is introducing a limit on how much waste can be turned into energy through heat treatment at waste-to-energy facilities.

The State Government has committed to place a cap of one million tonnes each year on the amount of ‘permitted’ waste that can be heat treated in new waste to energy facilities to make energy.

Victoria’s Waste to Energy Scheme started on 1 June 2023, with the introduction of the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) (Waste to Energy Scheme) Regulations 2023.

The proposed Regulations set out the cap licensing process and fees for new or expanded thermal waste to energy facilities.

Existing thermal waste to energy facilities that had planning or EPA approvals in place as of November 2021 will not be affected by these changes.

A Regulatory Impact Statement has been prepared to outline the reasons for the proposed regulations, including evidence of the problem to be solved and the expected benefits of this solution relative to other options.

Businesses who want to invest in waste to energy in Victoria are being encouraged to participate in the official public consultation process.

Any other interested individuals, organisations or groups are welcome to participate in the consultation.

Information sessions were held from 11am – 12pm on 17 January and 22 January, and a survey and written submissions are also open.

Consultation closes at 11:59pm on Friday 2 February 2024.

For more information, visit www.engage.vic.gov.au/wastetoenergy