In brief - 2018 has been a year of change and firsts for the NSW waste industry which will continue to have impacts into the new year
A snapshot of the key regulatory events that occurred in 2018 is below:
What will 2019 bring?
The NSW Government and regulatory authorities have continued to demonstrate a strong regulatory presence in particular areas of the waste industry with increased penalties, close scrutiny of waste operator's using their powers under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW), and some high profile prosecutions. However, the decision in Grafil may impact the number of prosecutions commenced by the EPA next year.
Key areas of interest for 2019 for NSW waste industry are likely to be:
- The market's response to the introduction of a waste levy in Queensland and seeing whether it kerbs the interstate transport of waste.
- The continued governmental response to China's National Sword Policy and the assistance that is afforded to (or taken away from) from waste operators.
The impact of the above on the "cost of doing business" for waste operators in NSW has probably already been forecasted by most operators. But what increase (or decrease) may be passed onto generators, is still unknown.
| Todd Neal | Katherine Edwards |
| Environment | |
| Colin Biggers & Paisley |
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