If your business operates in the waste, recycling, organics, bioenergy or resource recovery sectors, there’s an important regulatory change you should be aware of.
As of 30 June 2026, Recycling Victoria has officially become EPA Victoria’s new Circular Economy Division, bringing key waste, recycling and environmental regulatory functions together under a single organisation.
While the change may seem administrative on the surface, it has the potential to influence how businesses engage with regulators, navigate environmental approvals, manage compliance obligations and plan future projects. Whether you’re operating an existing facility or developing new infrastructure, now is a good time to understand what this transition means and ensure your business is well positioned for what’s ahead.
In this article, we explore the key changes, what they mean for industry, and the practical steps organisations can take to prepare.
What does the change mean for businesses?
Businesses operating in the waste, organics, recycling and resource recovery sectors should review how the new regulatory structure may affect their current operations and planned projects.
Key considerations include:
Regulatory contacts: Organisations should confirm the appropriate EPA Victoria contact points for matters previously managed through Recycling Victoria.
Existing approvals and obligations: Current permissions, licence conditions, reporting requirements and compliance documentation should be reviewed to ensure responsibilities remain clearly assigned.
Circular economy requirements: Responsible entities should continue to monitor their obligations under Victoria’s circular economy legislation, including applicable risk, consequence and contingency planning requirements.
Environmental risk management: Operators should ensure that risks relating to odour, air emissions, fire, stormwater, contamination, PFAS and the beneficial reuse of materials remain appropriately assessed and controlled.
Planned developments and operational changes: Projects involving new facilities, increased processing capacity or changes to accepted materials may require early engagement with EPA Victoria to confirm the relevant environmental permission pathway.
Recycling Victoria’s regulatory programs and services are continuing under EPA Victoria, including regulation of the waste, recycling and resource recovery sector.
Preparing your organisation for the transition
The transition provides a good opportunity to review your organisation’s environmental compliance framework and ensure it remains aligned with current requirements. Businesses should consider reviewing EPA approvals, compliance obligations, management systems and operational controls, particularly where facility upgrades or operational changes are planned. A structured gap analysis can help identify any updates needed to approvals, procedures or environmental controls, ensuring ongoing compliance and operational resilience.
How SPM can assist
SPM supports organisations across Victoria’s waste, organics, recycling, bioenergy and resource recovery sectors to navigate complex environmental and planning requirements.
Our services include:
- Regulatory gap analyses and compliance reviews
- EPA permission pathway advice
- Development Licence and Operating Licence applications
- Risk Management and Monitoring Programs
- Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessments
- Environmental Management System and compliance documentation updates
- Environmental audits and operational compliance support
- Stakeholder and regulator engagement
- Coordination of specialist technical assessments.
If your organisation is operating in waste, organics, renewables, or resource recovery and you’d like to discuss how the merger may affect your operations, reach out. We’re here to help make compliance simpler and more effective.