Wanting to Operate An E-waste Facility? Applying for an EPA Licence? A Quick Self-Assessment

Delivering compliant e-waste facilities through collaboration with EPA

PPC Urban’s Expertise in E-waste Facilities and other EPA-Regulated Projects

PPC Urban has successfully delivered multiple industrial developments across Victoria that require approvals from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Our team works closely with e-waste recycling businesses, councils, and statutory authorities to streamline planning approvals and ensure full compliance with environmental regulations.

For example, PPC Urban supported the planning and delivery of E-waste Recycling Centres in Melbourne, and its expansion., helping operators meet growing service demand. Recently, we partnered with leading recycling providers to secure planning approvals for three new recycling facilities across Melbourne’s northern and western regions.

PPC Urban Industrial Projects

Through close collaboration with the EPA, Country Fire Authority (CFA), and Council planning and engineering teams, PPC Urban achieved swift planning approvals—typically within 3-6 months of lodgement. During this process, councils may also run a public consultation process.

To get tailored town planning advice from a specialist consultant, please contact us. We would be pleased to help you navigate the EPA approval process efficiently — identifying the right permissions, coordinating with the EPA and Council teams, and preparing all required planning documentation to ensure a smooth and compliant application.

This post offers a checklist to help determine if an EPA Victoria licence (permission) is required for your operations.

What is an EPA Permission and why it matters

You must get a permission from EPA to conduct activities that have risk of harm to human health and the environment. These are called prescribed activities and are defined in Schedule 1 of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021 (The Regulations).

The EPA utilises a three-tiered permission system: licences, permits, and registrations, with each level corresponding to the potential risk associated with an activity. Licences are required for high-risk activities, permits for medium-risk, and registrations for low-risk activities.

EPA also issue permission exemptions, temporary authorisations for waste discharge or disposal, and designations (for waste that cannot be classified using the waste codes in The Regulations).

EPA must approve your permission application before you can conduct the activity. Conducting an activity without the required permission can result in prosecution and high penalties or other regulatory action. A permission is only valid if you comply with its conditions.

Activities requiring permission

Activities That Require an EPA Permission

Activities that require a permission include:

Licences

Waste incineration, waste & resource recovery, wastewater treatment, operating a large landfill, power generation, mining, manufacturing or processing (including animal industries), mining, printing and bulk fuel storage. There are three types of licence; a development licence, an operating licence and a pilot project licence.

Permits

Medium-scale waste resource recovery centre, transporting high risk waste, supplying or using reclaimed waste, on-site wastewater management systems or to run an outdoor event or concert.

Registrations

Small scale waste & resource recovery / storage, dry cleaning, some waste transport or temporary asbestos storage.

Checklist of Self-Assessment

Quick Self-Assessment Checklist

Does your project produce waste, emissions, or pollutants?

Will you be storing or using waste or hazardous materials?

Are you disturbing soil, vegetation, or waterways?

Will your activities impact land, air, water, or noise levels?

Are you planning large-scale industrial or commercial development?

Do you require any other regulatory approval, i.e. planning permit, for this activity?

Have you been required to get EPA approval in the past for similar work?

If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, you may need a permission.

Get more information from the following:

Refer to the EPA Victoria website for guidance on different permission types and related activities Licences, permits and registrations | epa.vic.gov.au
Get tailored town planning advice from a specialist consultant like PPC Urban. We help you navigate the EPA approval process efficiently — identifying the right permissions, coordinating with the EPA and Council teams, and preparing all required planning documentation to ensure a smooth and compliant application.
Get advice and assistance from an environmental consultant like Out-Task Environmental. We can help you determine which permission you need, communicate with the EPA (and other stakeholders) on your behalf, and assist with the application process itself. Click here to see some case study projects we have worked on or contact us to discuss your project
Contact the EPA directly to clarify the necessary permission. They will probably suggest that you complete the pathway advice request form Get help finding the right permission | epa.vic.gov.au. This can help you if you’re not sure whether you need a permission or which permission you need.

How to Apply for an EPA Permission

How to Apply for an EPA Licence

1. Determine the required permission:

Determine if your activity requires a licence, permit, or registration.

2. Prepare your application:

Gather required information: Key supporting documents and information will vary depending on the permission type and activity but may include details about your activity site, proposed activities, emissions, risk management, and more.
Complete the application form: Ensure all necessary fields are filled out accurately.
Address the principles of environment protection: Your application should demonstrate how you will address these principles.
Consider BATT: Demonstrate how the proposed activity will use best available techniques and technology (BATT) to minimize environmental risks.

3. Submit your application:

Submit your application and supporting documents through the EPA’s online portal and pay the application fee.

4. Tips for ensuring a smooth application:

Apply well in advance before your proposed start date as the application process can take up to four months.
Be comprehensive and complete. Ensure all information is accurate and thorough to avoid delays.
If granted permission, you must adhere to all conditions outlined in your permission document. If you fail to comply with any conditions, you must declare this in your Permission Information and Performance Statement (PIPS).

Timeframes & Permission Application Fees

EPA assessment timeframes depend on the permission and whether or not the EPA need extra information. However, see below for a guide:

Registration

Up to 10 business days – no fee up to $241.73

Permit

15 to 42 business days $104.39 to $2,116.04

Development licence

Up to 4 months - the greater of: 1% of the estimated prescribed development activity or $1,375.56 (maximum $75,644.92)

Exemptions

Permission exemptions are only issued under certain circumstances via a specific determination made under Section 48 of the Environment Protection Act 2017 or as listed in Section 3.5 of the Environment Protection Regulations, 2021. Essentially, the EPA can exempt activities that are low risk, in the public interest, or occur during emergencies.

EPA also authorises temporary discharges or disposals of waste (for a period of no more than 120 days) under section 157 of the EP Act 2017 (known as ‘section 157 authorisations’):

in an emergency
for public hardship
to commission, repair, decommission or dismantle an industrial plant or equipment that’s linked to a prescribed activity.

This includes waste emissions, storage, treatment, disposal and handling that would usually need a permission.

Next Steps

Contact Us Today to discuss your EPA licence requirements now or subscribe to our blog for more compliance and environmental management tips.