1
Name of Act
1 Name of Act
This Act is the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Act 2016.
3
Dictionary
3 Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this
Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined
elsewhere in this Act.
For example, the signpost definition ‘affected person for an original
decision, for part 16 (Reconsideration of decisions)—see section 114.’
means that the term ‘affected person’ is defined in that section for part 16.
Note 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to
the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act,
provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see
Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
4
Notes
4 Notes
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
5
Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
5 Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.
Note 1 Criminal Code
The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this Act (see
Code, pt 2.1).
The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility
(including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used
for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention,
recklessness and strict liability).
Note 2 Penalty units
The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties
that are expressed in penalty units.
Preliminary Part 1
6
Relationship with Emergencies Act 2004
6 Relationship with Emergencies Act 2004
(1) This Act does not apply to the exercise or purported exercise by a
relevant person of a function under the Emergencies Act 2004 for the
purpose of protecting life or property, or controlling, extinguishing or
preventing the spread of a fire.
(2) In this section:
emergency controller—see the Emergencies Act 2004, dictionary.
emergency service—see the Emergencies Act 2004, dictionary.
relevant person means—
(a) an emergency controller; or
(b) the chief officer or a member of an emergency service; or
(c) any other person under the control of—
(i) an emergency controller; or
(ii) the chief officer of an emergency service; or
(d) a police officer.
7
Relationship with other laws
7 Relationship with other laws
This Act does not affect the operation of any other territory law.
8
Objects of Act
8 Objects of Act
The objects of this Act are to—
(a) manage waste according to the following hierarchy:
(i) minimise the generation of waste;
(ii) maximise the recovery and re-use of resources;
(iii) minimise the amount of waste that goes to landfill; and
(b) support innovation and investment in waste management; and
(c) promote responsibility for waste reduction; and
(d) promote best-practice waste management.
9
Principles to be taken into account
9 Principles to be taken into account
(1) The objects of this Act are to be achieved by taking into account the
following principles:
(a) the inter-generational equity principle;
(b) the polluter pays principle;
(c) the precautionary principle;
(d) the proximity principle;
(e) the waste minimisation principle.
(2) In this section:
inter-generational equity principle means that the present generation
should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the
environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future
generations.
Objects and principles Part 2
polluter pays principle means that polluters should bear the
appropriate share of the costs that arise from their activities.
precautionary principle means that, if there is a threat of serious or
irreversible environmental damage, a lack of full scientific certainty
should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent
environmental degradation.
proximity principle means that waste and recovered resources should
be managed as close to the source of generation as possible.
waste minimisation principle means that waste is handled in a way
that minimises and, if practicable, eliminates harm to the
environment.
10
Meaning of waste
10 Meaning of waste
waste includes the following:
(a) any substance (whether solid, liquid or gaseous) that is
discharged, emitted or deposited in the environment in such
volume, constituency or manner as to cause an alteration in the
environment;
(b) any discarded, rejected, unwanted, surplus or abandoned
substance, whether or not intended for sale, recycling,
reprocessing, recovery or purification by a separate operation
from that which produced it;
(c) any other substance declared by regulation to be waste.
11
Meaning of waste activity
11 Meaning of waste activity
waste activity—
(a) means any of the following activities carried out by a waste
management business:
(i) collecting waste;
(ii) transporting waste;
Important concepts Part 3
(iii) storing, sorting, treating, processing, or disposing of waste;
and
Example—processing of waste
• generating energy from waste material
Example—disposing of waste
• depositing waste in landfill
Note 1 Collecting or transporting waste is carried out by a waste
transporter (see s 13).
Note 2 Storing, sorting, treating, processing, or disposing of waste
happens at a waste facility (see s 14).
(b) for part 9 (Codes of practice)—includes the generation of waste.
12
Meaning of waste management business
12 Meaning of waste management business
waste management business includes—
(a) any of the following carried on, by a person or a group of people
acting together, with the purpose of providing services in
relation to the handling of waste:
(i) a trade, industry, business or profession;
(ii) an activity carried on for a fee, benefit or reward; and
(b) a person or activity prescribed by regulation.
13
Meaning of waste transporter
13 Meaning of waste transporter
waste transporter means a waste management business that does any
of the following:
(a) collects waste;
(b) transports waste.
14
Meaning of waste facility
14 Meaning of waste facility
waste facility—
(a) means a site used by a waste management business for the
storage, sorting, treatment, processing, or disposal of waste; but
(b) does not include a reverse vending machine.
15
Meaning of waste facility licence
15 Meaning of waste facility licence
waste facility licence means a licence issued under section 22.
Waste manager Part 4
Part 4
Waste manager
16
Appointment
16 Appointment
(1) The director-general must appoint a public servant as the Waste
Manager.
Note 1 For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the
Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
Note 2 In particular, a person may be appointed for a particular provision of a
law (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)) and an appointment may be made by
naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see Legislation
Act, s 207).
(2) However, the director-general may appoint a person as the waste
manager only if satisfied that the person has suitable qualifications
and experience to exercise the functions of the waste manager.
(3) An appointment is a notifiable instrument.
17
Functions
17 Functions
(1) The waste manager’s functions are—
(a) to administer this Act; and
(b) any other function given to the waste manager by this Act or
another territory law.
(2) In the exercise of the waste manager’s functions, the waste manager
must have regard to the objects and principles stated in part 2 (Objects
and principles).
Note A provision of a law that gives an entity (including a person) a function
also gives the entity the powers necessary and convenient to exercise the
function (see Legislation Act, s 196 (1) and dict, pt 1, defs of entity and
function).
18
Requirement to hold a waste facility licence
18 Requirement to hold a waste facility licence
A person must not operate a waste facility unless the person holds a
waste facility licence.
Note Section 107 (Unauthorised waste activity) makes it an offence to operate
a waste facility without a licence.
19
Application for licence
19 Application for licence
(1) A person may apply to the waste manager for a licence.
(b) include any information prescribed by regulation.
Note Giving false or misleading information is an offence against the Criminal
Code, s 338.
20
Waste manager may request more information
20 Waste manager may request more information
(1) The waste manager may, by written notice, require an applicant for a
licence to give the waste manager more information—
(a) that the waste manager believes on reasonable grounds to be
information needed to decide the application; and
(b) within a stated time; and
(c) at a stated place.
(2) If the applicant does not comply with a requirement in the notice, the
waste manager may refuse to consider the application further.
21
Change of information must be provided
21 Change of information must be provided
(1) This section applies if the information in an application for a licence
changes before the application is decided.
(2) The applicant must give the waste manager written notice of the
particulars of the change.
22
Decision about application for licence
22 Decision about application for licence
(1) The waste manager must, not later than 56 days after the day the waste
manager receives an application under section 19—
Note 1 Failure to approve an application within the required time is taken to be
a decision not to approve the application (see ACT Civil and
Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 12).
Note 2 A decision under this section is a reviewable decision (see s 120).
(2) However, before approving an application for a licence, the waste
manager must consult an entity, prescribed by regulation.
Note Power to make a regulation includes power to make different provision
in relation to different matters or different classes of matters, and to make
a regulation that applies differently by reference to stated exceptions or
factors (see Legislation Act, s 48).
(3) Also, the waste manager—
(a) may approve the application only if satisfied that the applicant
complies, and is likely to continue to comply, with the
requirements of this Act; and
(b) may refuse the application if—
(i) the application is materially false or misleading; or
(ii) the applicant has, within 2 years before the application was
made, committed an offence under this Act or a
corresponding law of a State.
(4) If the waste manager refuses the application, the waste manager must
as soon as practicable tell the applicant, in writing, the reason for the
refusal.
Note For how documents may be served, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(5) If the waste manager approves the application the waste manager
must, as soon as practicable after deciding the application—
(a) tell the applicant—
(i) that the application is approved; and
(ii) that the applicant must pay a fee for the licence (the licence
fee) before the licence can be issued; and
(iii) the day the licence fee is due; and
(b) allocate a unique number for the licence; and
(c) as soon as practicable after the applicant has paid the licence
fee—
(i) issue the licence; and
(ii) tell the applicant the unique number for the licence; and
(d) enter details for the licence in the register of waste facility
licenses.
23
Licence conditions
23 Licence conditions
A licence is subject to—
(a) a condition that the licensee must comply with this Act; and
(b) any other condition the waste manager imposes when issuing the
licence.
Examples—conditions—par (b)
1 stating how food waste must be managed at a waste facility
2 imposing time limits on the storage of skips after collection, before the skips
must be taken to a waste facility
3 stating that a waste facility may not receive certain types of waste
4 imposing requirements about sorting or processing certain waste material
before using the residual waste for energy generation
Note 1 A decision under this section is a reviewable decision (see s 120).
24
Form of licence
24 Form of licence
(1) A licence must—
(b) include the following information:
(i) the name of the licensee;
(ii) a unique identifying number;
(iii) the term of the licence;
(iv) the conditions on the licence;
(v) any other information prescribed by regulation.
(2) A licence may include any other information the waste manager
considers relevant.
25
Register of waste facility licences
25 Register of waste facility licences
(1) The waste manager must keep a register of waste facility licences.
(2) The register must include—
(a) information, if any, prescribed by regulation; and
(b) any other information the waste manager considers relevant.
(3) The waste manager—
(a) may correct an error or omission in the register; and
(b) must change a detail included in the register to keep the register
accurate and up-to-date.
(4) The waste manager must, without charge—
(a) make the register available to an authorised person; and
(b) make the information in the register prescribed by regulation for
this paragraph available to the public in 1 or more of the
following ways:
(i) making the information available for inspection during
ordinary office hours at an ACT government office;
(ii) making the information accessible on an ACT government
website, or by a link on an ACT government website;
(iii) if a person requests a copy of the information—giving the
person a copy of the information.
Note The Territory privacy principles apply to the waste manager in relation
to personal information held in the register (see Information Privacy
Act 2014).
26
Licensee must update details
26 Licensee must update details
(1) This section applies if, to the knowledge of a licensee, any of the
information mentioned in section 25 (2) changes.
(2) The licensee must tell the waste manager, in writing, about the
change.
27
Licence not transferable
27 Licence not transferable
A licence issued to a licensee may not be transferred to another
person.
28
Surrender of licence
28 Surrender of licence
(1) A licensee may surrender a licence by giving the waste manager
written notice (a surrender notice) of an intention to surrender the
licence.
(2) A surrender notice—
(a) must include the following information:
(i) the name of the licensee;
(ii) the unique number for the surrendered licence;
(iii) the day on which the surrender notice is given to the waste
manager by the licensee;
(iv) any other information prescribed by regulation; and
(b) may nominate a day, that is on or after the day on which the
surrender notice is given to the waste manager, on which the
licensee wishes the surrender to take effect.
(3) The surrender of a licence takes effect on whichever of the following
happens first—
(a) the day that is—
(i) if the surrender notice does not nominate a day on which
the surrender takes effect—28 days after the day the
surrender notice is given to the waste manager; or
(ii) if the surrender notice does nominate a day on which the
surrender takes effect—the later of—
(A) the nominated day; and
(B) the day the surrender notice is given to the waste
manager; and
(b) if the licensee fails to pay the fee for the licence that is the
subject of the surrender notice on the day (the payment day) the
fee for the licence next becomes payable—the day after the
payment day.
Note The day on which a licence ends is determined under s 29.
29
Term of licence
29 Term of licence
A licence—
(a) begins on the day after the day the licence fee is paid; and
(b) ends on whichever of the following happens first:
(i) if the licence is surrendered—the day the surrender of the
licence takes effect under section 28 (Surrender of
licence);
(ii) if the licence is cancelled—the day the licence cancellation
takes effect under section 46 (4) (Taking regulatory
action);
(iii) if the licensee fails to pay the fee for the licence by the day
(the payment day) the fee for the licence next becomes
payable—the day after the payment day;
(iv) the day stated in the licence.
30
Requirement to be registered as waste transporter
30 Requirement to be registered as waste transporter
A person must not operate as a waste transporter unless the person is
registered.
Note Section 107 (Unauthorised waste activity) makes it an offence to carry on
business as a waste transporter if not registered.
31
Application to be registered
31 Application to be registered
(1) A person may apply to the waste manager to be registered as a waste
transporter.
(b) include any information prescribed by regulation.
Note Giving false or misleading information is an offence against the Criminal
Code, s 338.
32
Waste manager may request more information
32 Waste manager may request more information
(1) The waste manager may, by written notice, require an applicant
applying to be registered to give the waste manager more
information—
(a) that the waste manager believes on reasonable grounds to be
information needed to decide the application; and
(b) within a stated time; and
(c) at a stated place.
(2) If the applicant does not comply with a requirement in the notice, the
waste manager may refuse to consider the application further.
33
Change of information must be provided
33 Change of information must be provided
(1) This section applies if the information in an application under
section 31 changes before the application is decided.
(2) The applicant must give the waste manager written notice of the
particulars of the change.
34
Decision about application for registration
34 Decision about application for registration
(1) The waste manager must, not later than 30 days after the day the waste
manager receives an application under section 31 (Application to be
registered)—
Note 1 Failure to approve an application is taken to be a decision refusing to
approve the application (see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Act 2008, s 12).
Note 2 A decision under this section is a reviewable decision (see s 120).
(2) However, the waste manager—
(a) may approve the application only if satisfied that the applicant
complies, and is likely to continue to comply, with the
requirements of this Act; and
(b) may refuse the application if—
(i) the application is materially false or misleading; or
(ii) the applicant has, within 2 years before the application was
made, committed an offence under this Act or a
corresponding law of a State.
(3) If the waste manager refuses the application, the waste manager must
as soon as practicable tell the applicant in writing the reason for the
refusal.
Note For how documents may be served, see the Legislation Act, pt 19.5.
(4) If the waste manager approves the application the waste manager
must—
(a) as soon as practicable after deciding the application, tell the
applicant—
(i) that the application is approved; and
(ii) that the applicant must pay a fee for the registration (the
registration fee) before the applicant’s details can be
entered in the register; and
(iii) the day the registration fee is due; and
(b) as soon as practicable after the applicant has paid the registration
fee—
(i) enter the applicant’s details in the register of waste
transporters; and
(ii) allocate a unique registration number (a registration
number) for the registered person; and
(iii) tell the registered person, in writing, that the person has
been registered and the person’s registration number.
34A
Registration conditions
34A Registration conditions
A waste transporter registration is subject to—
(a) a condition that the registered waste transporter must comply
with this Act; and
(b) any other condition the waste manager imposes on the
registration when the application is approved.
Examples—par (b)
1 limiting the kind and quantity of waste to be transported
2 requiring a kind of waste to be transported in a particular way
Note 1 A decision under this section is a reviewable decision (see s 120).
35
Waste transporter must display registration number
35 Waste transporter must display registration number
(1) A registered waste transporter must, within 30 days after being told
the waste transporter’s registration number, display the number
clearly and permanently on any vehicle used by the registered waste
transporter for transporting waste.
(2) A regulation may prescribe requirements for the display of a
registration number.
36
Entry in register not transferable
36 Entry in register not transferable
The registration of a waste transporter may not be transferred to
another person.
37
Register of waste transporters
37 Register of waste transporters
(1) The waste manager must keep a register of registered waste
transporters.
(2) The register must include—
(a) information, if any, prescribed by regulation; and
(b) any other information the waste manager considers relevant.
(3) The waste manager—
(a) may correct an error or omission in the register; and
(b) must change information included in the register to keep the
register accurate and up-to-date.
(4) The waste manager must, without charge—
(a) make the register available to an authorised person; and
(b) make the information in the register prescribed by regulation for
this paragraph available to the public in 1 or more of the
following ways:
(i) making the information available for inspection during
ordinary office hours at an ACT government office;
(ii) making the information accessible on an ACT government
website, or by a link on an ACT government website;
(iii) if a person requests a copy of the information—giving the
person a copy of the information.
Note The Territory privacy principles apply to the waste manager in relation
to personal information held in the register (see Information Privacy
Act 2014).
38
Waste transporter must update details
38 Waste transporter must update details
(1) This section applies if, to the knowledge of a registered waste
transporter, any of the information mentioned in section 37 (2)
changes.
(2) The registered waste transporter must tell the waste manager, in
writing, about the change.
41
Termination of registration by registered waste
41 Termination of registration by registered waste
transporter
(1) A registered waste transporter may terminate its registration by giving
the waste manager written notice of intention to terminate the
registration (a termination notice).
(2) A registration terminated in accordance with subsection (1) takes
effect on whichever of the following happens first:
(a) if the termination notice does not state a date on which the
registration takes effect—the day that is 4 weeks after the day
the notice is given to the waste manager;
(b) if the termination notice states a date on which the registration
takes effect—the stated date;
(c) the day on which the next fee for registration becomes payable.
42
Term of registration
42 Term of registration
A waste transporter’s registration—
(a) begins on the day the waste manager enters the waste
transporter’s details in the register of waste transporters; and
(b) ends on whichever of the following happens first:
(i) if the registration is terminated—the day the termination of
the registration takes effect under section 41 (Termination
of registration by registered waste transporter);
(ii) if the registration is cancelled—the day registration
cancellation takes effect under section 46 (3) (Taking
regulatory action);
(iii) if the waste transporter fails to pay the fee for the
registration by the day (the payment day) the fee for the
registration next becomes payable—the day after the
payment day;
(iv) the day stated in the registration.
43
Definitions—pt 7
43 Definitions—pt 7
regulatory action, against a person, means—
(a) if the person is a licensee—any of the following actions:
(i) imposing, or amending, a condition on the licence;
(ii) suspending the licence for either a fixed period or until a
particular event happens;
(iii) disqualifying the licensee from applying for another
licence for a fixed period or until a particular event
happens;
(iv) cancelling the licence; or
(b) if the person is a registered waste transporter—any of the
following actions:
(i) imposing or amending a condition on the registration;
(ii) suspending the registration for either a fixed period or until
a particular event happens;
(iii) disqualifying the person from applying for registration for
a fixed period or until a particular event happens;
(iv) cancelling the registration of the person.
show cause notice—see section 45 (1).
44
Waste manager may consider regulatory action against
44 Waste manager may consider regulatory action against
person
The waste manager may consider taking regulatory action against a
licensee, or a registered waste transporter, only if the waste manager
is satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
(a) for action against a licensee—the person engaged in any of the
following conduct:
(i) stopped operating a waste facility that is the subject of the
licence;
(ii) used false or misleading information to obtain the licence;
(iii) contravened a condition of the licence;
(iv) failed to comply with a provision of this Act; or
(b) for action against a registered waste transporter—the registered
waste transporter engaged in any of the following conduct:
(i) used false or misleading information to become a
registered waste transporter;
(ii) contravened a condition of being registered;
(iii) failed to comply with a provision of this Act.
45
Notification of proposed regulatory action
45 Notification of proposed regulatory action
(1) If the waste manager proposes taking regulatory action against a
person, the waste manager must give the person a written notice
(a show cause notice) stating—
(a) the grounds on which, under section 44, the waste manager
considers regulatory action may be taken; and
(b) details of the proposed regulatory action; and
(c) that the person may, not later than 14 days after the day the
person is given the notice, give a written submission to the waste
manager about the proposed regulatory action.
(2) The waste manager must consider any submission received by the
waste manager in response to the show cause notice when making a
decision to take or not take regulatory action against the person.
(3) However, subsection (2) does not apply if the waste manager gives
the person an immediate suspension notice under
section 48 (Immediate suspension of licence or registration if risk to
public safety).
46
Taking regulatory action
46 Taking regulatory action
(1) This section applies if the waste manager—
(a) has considered a submission mentioned in section 45 (2)
received from a person; and
(b) is satisfied on reasonable grounds that it is appropriate, in all the
circumstances, to take the regulatory action.
(2) The waste manager may—
(a) if the proposed regulatory action is imposing or amending a
condition on a licence, or on a registration—impose or amend
the condition; or
(b) if the proposed regulatory action is suspending a licence or a
registration—take any of the following action:
(i) the action mentioned in paragraph (a);
(ii) suspend the licence or registration for a period; or
(c) if the proposed regulatory action is disqualifying a person from
applying for a further licence or further registration—take any
of the following action:
(i) the action mentioned in paragraph (b);
(ii) disqualify the person from applying for a further licence or
further registration for a period; or
(d) if the proposed regulatory action is cancelling a licence or a
registration—take any of the following action:
(i) the action mentioned in paragraph (c);
(ii) cancel the licence or registration.
Note A decision under this subsection is a reviewable decision (see s 120).
(3) Before taking regulatory action against a person under this section the
waste manager must tell the person, by written notice (a notice of
regulatory action)—
(a) the regulatory action that will be taken; and
(b) the day on which the regulatory action takes effect (the day of
effect).
(4) Regulatory action takes effect against a person on the day of effect.
(5) In this section:
proposed regulatory action, in relation to a person, means regulatory
action mentioned in a show cause notice given to the person under
section 45 (1).
47
Not taking regulatory action
47 Not taking regulatory action
(1) This section applies if, after considering a submission under
section 45 (2) received from a person, the waste manager is satisfied
on reasonable grounds that regulatory action against the person—
(a) may not be taken; or
(b) may be taken, but that in all the circumstances it is not
appropriate to take the action.
(2) The waste manager must give the person written notice telling the
person that regulatory action will not be taken against the person in
relation to the matters raised in the show cause notice.
48
Immediate suspension of licence or registration if risk to
48 Immediate suspension of licence or registration if risk to
public safety
(a) the waste manager gives a show cause notice, under
section 45 (1), to a person; and
(b) having regard to the grounds stated in the notice, the waste
manager believes on reasonable grounds that the person’s
licence or registration in the register of waste transporters should
be suspended immediately because of a risk to public safety.
(2) The waste manager must give the person a written notice
(an immediate suspension notice) suspending the person’s licence or
registration.
(3) A suspension under this section takes effect when the immediate
suspension notice is given to the licensee.
(4) A suspension under this section ends—
(a) if regulatory action is taken against the person—when
whichever of the following happens first:
(i) regulatory action takes effect;
(ii) 30 days after the day the immediate suspension notice is
given to the person; or
(b) if regulatory action is not taken against the person—when
whichever of the following happens first:
(i) when the person is given written notice of the waste
manager’s decision not to take regulatory action;
(ii) 30 days after the day the immediate suspension notice is
given to the person.
49
Effect of suspension
49 Effect of suspension
(1) A suspended licence or registration does not authorise the carrying on
of any activity under the licence or registration during the suspension.
(2) If the waste manager suspends a licence or registration, the person
whose licence or registration is suspended is, during the suspension—
(a) taken not to—
(i) hold the licence; or
(ii) be registered; and
(b) disqualified from applying for a licence or registration.
50
Offence—fail to return amended, suspended or cancelled
50 Offence—fail to return amended, suspended or cancelled
(a) the person was issued a licence; and
(b) the waste manager decides to amend, suspend or cancel the
licence in a decision made under this part; and
(c) the person fails to return the licence to the waste manager
within 7 days after the day the person is given a reviewable
decision notice under section 119 (Notice of decisions on
reconsideration) about the decision.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
51
Action by waste manager in relation to amended or
51 Action by waste manager in relation to amended or
suspended licence
(a) a licence is amended or suspended under this part; and
(b) the licence is returned to the waste manager.
(2) For an amended licence, the waste manager must—
(a) return the amended licence to the licensee; or
(b) give the licensee a replacement licence that includes the
amendment.
(3) For a suspended licence, if the suspension ends before the end of the
term of the licence, the waste manager must return the licence to the
licensee when the suspension ends.
52
Waste manager may require financial assurance
52 Waste manager may require financial assurance
(1) The waste manager may require a licensee to provide a financial
assurance to the waste manager if satisfied that the assurance is
justified to ensure compliance with a licence.
(2) Before requiring a financial assurance under subsection (1), the waste
manager must consider—
(a) the nature of the waste activity; and
(b) the compliance record of the licensee; and
(c) the likelihood that remedial action will be necessary if the
licensee fails to comply with a condition of the licence.
(3) A financial assurance must be in the form of—
(a) an unconditional bank guarantee; or
(b) a bond; or
(c) an insurance policy; or
(d) another form of security that the waste manager considers
appropriate.
(4) The waste manager must not require a financial assurance of an
amount greater than the total amount that the waste manager
reasonably believes is necessary to remedy the foreseeable harm that
could result from the failure to comply with the licence.
(5) A financial assurance must be provided—
(a) for the period stated in the licence; or
(b) if no period is stated, until the end of the licence.
(6) The waste manager may require the licensee to give a financial
assurance under this part, even though the person has given a financial
assurance under the Environment Protection Act 1997, division 9.4.
53
Show cause why financial assurance should not be
53 Show cause why financial assurance should not be
provided
(1) If the waste manager proposes to issue a licence subject to a condition
requiring a financial assurance, the waste manager must give written
notice of the waste manager’s intention to impose the condition to the
person who applies for the licence (the applicant).
(2) A notice under subsection (1) must—
(a) state the grounds on which the condition is proposed; and
(b) state the amount and form of the financial assurance proposed;
and
(c) invite the applicant to show cause why the condition should not
be imposed; and
(d) state the date, not earlier than 20 working days after the date of
the notice, by which any representations under paragraph (c)
must be made.
(3) Within 20 working days after the end of the period allowed under
subsection (2) (d) for representations, the waste manager must—
(a) tell the applicant whether or not the condition will be imposed;
and
(b) if it will be imposed—state in the notice the date, not earlier than
10 working days after the date of the notice, by which the
financial assurance must be provided.
54
Non-provision of financial assurance
54 Non-provision of financial assurance
If a financial assurance required as a condition of a licence is not
provided by the due date, the waste manager must cancel the licence.
55
Claim on or realisation of financial assurance
55 Claim on or realisation of financial assurance
(1) This section applies if the waste manager incurs, or will incur, costs
and expenses in taking action to remedy harm—
(a) caused, or likely to be caused, by failure to comply with a
licence; and
(b) that is within the class of harm in relation to which the financial
assurance may be claimed or realised; and
(c) that was not allowed under this Act.
(2) The waste manager may recover the reasonable costs and expenses of
taking the action by making a claim on or realising the financial
assurance or part of it.
56
Notice before claim on or realisation of financial
56 Notice before claim on or realisation of financial
assurance
(1) Before acting under section 55 (2), the waste manager must give to
the licensee in relation to which the financial assurance was provided,
a written notice—
(a) stating the harm caused, or likely to be caused, by the failure to
comply with the licence; and
(b) giving details of the action taken, or to be taken, to remedy the
harm; and
(c) stating the amount of the financial assurance to be claimed or
realised; and
(d) inviting the licensee to make a written representation to the
waste manager by a stated date, not earlier than 20 working days
after the date of the notice, to show why the financial assurance
should not be claimed or realised as proposed.
(2) The waste manager must, within 20 working days after the date stated
in the invitation under subsection (1) (d) and taking into account any
representations made in response to the invitation—
(a) decide whether or not to make a claim on or realise the financial
assurance or part of it; and
(b) give the licensee written notice of the decision.
57
Financial assurance not affect other action
57 Financial assurance not affect other action
A financial assurance may be called on and used, despite and without
affecting—
(a) the liability of a licensee or former licensee to any penalty for
an offence for a contravention to which the assurance relates;
and
(b) any other action that might be taken or is required to be taken in
relation to any contravention or other circumstances to which
the assurance relates.
58
Recovery of extra costs
58 Recovery of extra costs
(1) This section applies if the amount recovered by the waste manager by
a claim on or by realising a financial assurance (the realised
assurance) is less than the reasonable costs and expenses that the
waste manager incurred or will incur in taking action to remedy the
harm caused, or likely to be caused, by a failure to comply with a
condition of a licence (the reasonable costs and expenses).
(2) The waste manager may give the licensee written notice requiring the
licensee to pay a stated amount that is the difference between the
reasonable costs and expenses and the realised assurance.
(3) The notice must state the date, not earlier than 20 working days after
the date of the notice, by which the stated amount is required to be
paid.
(4) Subsection (5) applies if—
(a) the waste manager has given a licensee written notice under
subsection (2); and
(b) the licensee has failed to pay the stated amount by the stated
date.
(5) Any part of the stated amount that remains unpaid, together with
interest on the unpaid amount, is a debt due to the Territory by the
holder.
Note A rate of interest may be determined under s 126 for s (5).
59
Money held by Territory as financial assurance
59 Money held by Territory as financial assurance
(1) If an amount of money is held by the Territory as a financial assurance
or part of a financial assurance in relation to a licence, the following
provisions apply:
(a) interest accrues on so much of the original amount as from time
to time remains unclaimed by the waste manager under
section 55 (Claim on or realisation of financial assurance);
Note A rate of interest may be determined under s 126 for par (a).
(b) for any claim the waste manager may make under section 55,
the financial assurance is taken to include any accrued interest
other than interest to which the licensee is entitled to be paid
under paragraph (c);
(c) during the period the financial assurance is required, on each
anniversary of the payment of the original amount, the licensee
is entitled to be paid by the Territory so much of the interest that
accrued during the year that ended on the day before the
anniversary as remains unclaimed by the waste manager under
section 55.
(2) Subsection (3) applies if—
(a) the financial assurance is no longer required by the waste
manager; or
(b) the licence has ended.
(3) The Territory must pay to the licensee any part of the original amount
and accrued interest that remains unclaimed by the waste manager
under section 55.
60
Code of practice—approval
60 Code of practice—approval
(1) The Minister may approve a code of practice in relation to a waste
activity.
Examples—codes of practice in relation to a waste activity
1 code of practice for disposal of waste from a demolition or construction site
2 code of practice for collection, handling and treatment of putrescibles waste
3 code of practice for storage and placement for collection of domestic waste
(2) An approved code of practice may apply, adopt or incorporate an
instrument, as in force from time to time.
Note 1 The text of an applied, adopted or incorporated instrument, whether
applied as in force from time to time or at a particular time, is taken to be
a notifiable instrument if the operation of the Legislation Act, s 47 (5) or
(6) is not disapplied (see s 47 (7)).
Note 2 A reference to an instrument includes a reference to a provision of an
instrument (see Legislation Act, s 14 (2)).
(3) An approved code of practice is a disallowable instrument.
61
Failure to comply with approved code of practice
61 Failure to comply with approved code of practice
(a) an approved code of practice applies to the person; and
(b) the person engages in conduct; and
(c) the conduct results in a failure to comply with a requirement of
the approved code of practice; and
(d) the person is reckless about whether the conduct complies with
the approved code of practice.
Codes of practice Part 9
(2) A person commits an offence if—
(a) an approved code of practice applies to the person; and
(b) the person fails to comply with a requirement of the approved
code of practice.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is a strict liability offence.
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if—
(a) a written direction has been given to the person under section 62
in relation to the requirement; and
(b) the person has complied with the direction.
mentioned in s (4) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
62
Direction to comply with approved code
62 Direction to comply with approved code
(1) An authorised person may give a person a written direction to rectify
a breach of an approved code of practice if the authorised person
believes on reasonable grounds that—
(a) the person has been, is or is likely to be, in breach of a
requirement of the code; and
(b) the person has not previously been convicted, or found guilty, of
an offence under section 61.
(2) A direction must—
(a) state the requirement of the approved code of practice that has
been breached and the conduct constituting the breach; and
(b) state a reasonable time within which the direction must be
complied with; and
(c) include a statement that the person may be prosecuted under
section 61 if the person fails to comply with the direction.
(3) The authorised person may withdraw a written direction if, after
giving the direction to a person, the authorised person discovers that
the person has previously been convicted, or found guilty, of an
offence under section 61.
Waste storage and collection Part 10
Part 10
Waste storage and collection
Part 10 Waste storage and collection
63
Definitions—pt 10
63 Definitions—pt 10
store includes keep.
waste does not include—
(a) sewage; or
(b) a thing prescribed by regulation.
waste collection service means a service for collecting waste.
64
Waste collection service
64 Waste collection service
(1) The waste manager may—
(a) establish a waste collection service in the Territory, in
accordance with a regulation; and
(b) direct that waste collected by a waste collection service be
re-used, recycled or used as landfill.
Note Words in the singular number include the plural (see Legislation Act,
s 145 (b)).
(a) collection or disposal of waste;
(b) eligibility to operate a waste collection service;
(c) operation of a waste collection service, including
responsibilities and liabilities of the service;
(d) storing waste for collection by a waste collection service,
including requirements relating to the use or maintenance of
containers for storing waste;
(e) entry of people on land for a purpose under this part.
64A
Objects—pt 10A
64A Objects—pt 10A
The objects of this part are to—
(a) establish a cost effective container deposit scheme to assist the
beverage industry in reducing and dealing with waste generated
by beverage product packaging; and
(b) promote the recovery, reuse and recycling of empty beverage
containers.
64B
Definitions—pt 10A
64B Definitions—pt 10A
beverage—see section 64C.
collection point—see section 64D.
collection point arrangement—see section 64N (1).
collection point operator, for a collection point, means—
(a) if a collection point arrangement is in force for the collection
point—the person who has entered into the collection point
arrangement with a network operator for the collection point; or
(b) if a collection point arrangement is not in force for the collection
point—the network operator who administers and operates the
collection point.
container—see section 64E.
container approval means an approval in force under—
(a) section 64V; or
(b) a corresponding law of a State.
General Division 10A.1
corresponding law, of a State, means a law of the State that is
prescribed by regulation for this part.
material recovery facility operator means a waste management
business that—
(a) processes waste collected as part of a waste collection service;
and
(b) holds a waste facility licence allowing the processing of waste
(otherwise than by thermal treatment) at a waste facility.
network arrangement—see section 64J (1) (b).
network operator means a person with whom the Minister enters into
a network operator agreement.
network operator agreement means a scheme administration
agreement under section 64H (2) (b).
refund amount—see section 64F.
refund marking—see section 64G.
scheme means the container deposit scheme established under this
part.
scheme administration agreement—see section 64H (1).
scheme arrangement means—
(a) a supply arrangement; or
(b) a network arrangement; or
(c) a collection point arrangement.
scheme coordinator means the person with whom the Minister enters
into the scheme coordinator agreement.
scheme coordinator agreement means the scheme administration
agreement under section 64H (2) (a).
scheme participant means—
(a) the scheme coordinator; or
(b) a network operator; or
(c) a supplier who has entered into a supply arrangement with the
scheme coordinator; or
(d) a collection point operator.
supplier—
(a) means an entity that—
(i) manufactures a container; or
(ii) imports a container from a State or another country; and
(b) carries on a business that is, or includes, the supply of a beverage
in the container; but
(c) does not include a person prescribed by regulation not to be a
supplier.
supply means provide, by way of sale or otherwise, in the course of
carrying on a business.
supply arrangement—see section 64J (1) (a).
64C
Meaning of beverage—pt 10A
64C Meaning of beverage—pt 10A
beverage means—
(a) a liquid intended for human consumption by drinking; but
(b) does not include a liquid prescribed by regulation not to be a
beverage.
General Division 10A.1
64D
Meaning of collection point—pt 10A
64D Meaning of collection point—pt 10A
collection point means—
(a) a waste facility used for the collection and handling of
containers delivered to the facility for payment of a refund
amount; or
(b) sites used for the collection and transport of containers to a waste
facility for sorting and processing; or
(c) a reverse vending machine.
64E
Meaning of container—pt 10A
64E Meaning of container—pt 10A
container—
(a) means—
(i) a sealable vessel or receptacle designed to contain a
beverage for transport or storage before the beverage is
sold or delivered for consumption; or
(ii) anything else prescribed by regulation to be a container;
but
(b) does not include anything prescribed by regulation not to be a
container.
64F
Meaning of refund amount—pt 10A
64F Meaning of refund amount—pt 10A
refund amount means an amount prescribed by regulation as the
refund amount.
64G
Meaning of refund marking—pt 10A
64G Meaning of refund marking—pt 10A
refund marking means a marking or labelling, about a refund amount
for a container, prescribed by regulation.
64H
Scheme administration agreements
64H Scheme administration agreements
(1) The Minister may enter into a written agreement (a scheme
administration agreement) with a person in relation to the
management and administration of the scheme.
(2) A scheme administration agreement may be—
(a) the scheme coordinator agreement; or
(b) a network operator agreement.
(3) The Minister may invite applications for a scheme administration
agreement in any way the Minister considers appropriate.
(4) The Minister may enter into a scheme administration agreement only
if satisfied that the applicant—
(a) is likely to comply with the requirements of this Act; and
(b) for the scheme coordinator agreement—is a suitable person to
be the scheme coordinator; and
(c) for a network operator agreement—is a suitable person to be a
network operator.
(5) A regulation may prescribe suitability requirements for a person to
be—
(a) the scheme coordinator; or
(b) a network operator.
Scheme administration Division 10A.2
(6) Subsection (5) does not limit the matters the Minister may consider
in deciding a person’s suitability under subsection (4) (b) or (c).
64I
Amending and ending scheme administration
64I Amending and ending scheme administration
agreements
(1) A scheme administration agreement may be amended or ended by
agreement, in writing, between the Minister and the scheme
participant.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the scheme participant,
amend or end a scheme administration agreement without the consent
of the scheme participant—
(a) if satisfied that the scheme participant has failed to meet a
performance target under the agreement; or
(b) in any other circumstance allowed by the agreement.
(3) Without limiting subsection (2), the Minister may, without the
consent of the scheme participant, amend a scheme administration
agreement to include in the agreement a performance target or other
matter required by this part or prescribed by regulation to be included
in the agreement.
(4) The scheme participant is not entitled to any compensation as a result
of the amendment or end of a scheme administration agreement under
subsection (2) (a) or (3).
(5) A provision of a scheme administration agreement is void to the
extent to which it purports to exclude, limit or modify the operation
of this section.
(6) A regulation may make further provision for amending or ending a
scheme administration agreement.
scheme participant, for a scheme administration agreement, means
the scheme coordinator or a network operator who is a party to the
64J
Content of scheme coordinator agreement
64J Content of scheme coordinator agreement
(1) The scheme coordinator agreement must include provisions requiring
the scheme coordinator to enter into and give effect to the following:
(a) an arrangement with a supplier (a supply arrangement)
requiring the supplier to pay to the scheme coordinator
contributions towards the cost of the management,
administration and operation of the scheme;
(b) an arrangement with a network operator (a network
arrangement) in relation to the establishment, administration
and operation of collection points requiring the scheme
coordinator to pay to the operator refund amounts and associated
administration and handling costs for containers that are
collected at the collection points (and for which a collection
point operator is required to pay a refund amount under
section 64Y).
(2) The scheme coordinator agreement must include any other provision
the Minister considers necessary to ensure—
(a) each scheme arrangement required under the agreement sets out
a methodology for determining the amounts payable under the
arrangement; and
(b) the scheme coordinator does not act unfairly, or unreasonably
discriminate, against or in favour of a scheme participant in
negotiating, entering into, performing obligations under or
enforcing a scheme arrangement.
Scheme coordinator agreement Division 10A.3
(3) The scheme coordinator agreement may provide for any other matter
the Minister considers appropriate for the management,
administration or operation of the scheme.
(4) A regulation may make provision in relation to—
(a) performance targets (including by reference to any stated
network of collection points or area of operation) and any other
matter to be included in the scheme coordinator agreement; and
(b) the content of scheme arrangements under the scheme
coordinator agreement.
(5) The scheme coordinator agreement may contain provisions relating
to the exercise by the scheme coordinator of similar functions under
the law of a State relating to container deposit schemes.
(6) Nothing in this section or any other provision of this division (except
section 64M (Term of scheme coordinator agreement)) limits the
matters for which the scheme coordinator agreement may provide.
64K
Approval of network arrangements
64K Approval of network arrangements
(1) The scheme coordinator agreement must require the scheme
coordinator, before entering into a network arrangement, to apply to
the waste manager for approval of the arrangement.
(a) an application for approval of a network arrangement;
(b) the approval, amendment or revocation of an approval of a
network arrangement.
64L
Payment of refund amounts to material recovery facility
64L Payment of refund amounts to material recovery facility
operators
(1) The scheme coordinator agreement may require the scheme
coordinator to pay a material recovery facility operator a refund
amount (a processing refund) for containers collected by a waste
collection service and processed by the operator for reuse or
recycling.
(2) The waste manager may determine a way (a processing refund
protocol) to work out the processing refund payable to the material
recovery facility operator.
(3) A processing refund protocol may make provision for the following:
(a) material recovery facility operators or classes of material
recovery facility operators who are entitled to claim a processing
refund;
(b) the class of containers for which a processing refund is payable;
(c) any other circumstances in which a processing refund is
payable;
(d) the way in which a claim for a processing refund must be made
by a material recovery facility operator;
(e) the assessment of claims for processing refunds;
(f) reporting and keeping records;
(g) a process for resolving disputes about processing refunds.
(4) A processing refund protocol is a disallowable instrument.
(5) A processing refund is not payable to a material recovery facility
operator unless a processing refund protocol is in force in relation to
the processing refund.
Network operator agreements Division 10A.4
(6) A regulation may prohibit—
(a) the landfill disposal of a container in relation to which a claim
for a processing refund has been made by a material recovery
facility operator; and
(b) a material recovery facility operator making a claim for a
processing refund in relation to a container that has been
disposed of to landfill.
64M
Term of scheme coordinator agreement
64M Term of scheme coordinator agreement
(1) The scheme coordinator agreement must not be for longer than
7 years.
(2) The Minister may, with the agreement of the scheme coordinator,
extend the agreement for a further period of not longer than 3 years.
(3) The agreement must not be extended more than twice.
Example
The scheme coordinator agreement had an initial term of 7 years. The agreement
was then extended for a further period of 3 years. The agreement may be extended
for another 3 years so that the total term of the agreement is not longer than
13 years.
64N
Content of network operator agreements
64N Content of network operator agreements
(1) A network operator agreement must include provisions requiring the
network operator to enter into and give effect to an arrangement with
a person in relation to the administration and operation of collection
points (a collection point arrangement) requiring the network
operator to pay to the person refund amounts and associated handling
costs for containers that are collected at the collection points (and for
which a refund amount is payable under division 10A.6).
(2) A network operator agreement must include any other provisions the
Minister considers necessary to ensure—
(a) a collection point arrangement required under the agreement sets
out a methodology for determining the amounts payable under
the arrangement; and
(b) the network operator does not act unfairly, or unreasonably
discriminate, against or in favour of a collection point operator
in negotiating, entering into, performing obligations under or
enforcing a collection point arrangement.
(3) A network operator agreement may provide for any other matters the
Minister considers appropriate for the management, administration or
operation of the scheme.
(4) A regulation may make provision in relation to—
(a) performance targets (including by reference to any stated
network of collection points or area of operation) and any other
matter to be included in a network operator agreement; and
(b) the content of collection point arrangements under a network
operator agreement.
(5) Nothing in this section or any other provision of this division limits
the matters for which a network operator agreement may provide.
64O
Approval of collection point arrangements
64O Approval of collection point arrangements
(1) A network operator agreement must require the network operator,
before entering into a collection point arrangement, to apply to the
waste manager for approval of the arrangement.
(a) an application for approval of a collection point arrangement;
(b) the approval, amendment or revocation of an approval of a
collection point arrangement.
Scheme compliance Division 10A.5
64P
Inconsistent provisions void
64P Inconsistent provisions void
(1) A provision of the scheme coordinator agreement is void to the extent
to which it is inconsistent with—
(a) a provision of division 10A.6; or
(b) a regulation made under section 64J.
(2) A provision of a network operator agreement is void to the extent to
which it is inconsistent with—
(a) a provision of division 10A.6; or
(b) a regulation made under section 64N.
(3) A provision of a scheme arrangement entered into between the
scheme coordinator and another scheme participant is void to the
extent to which it is inconsistent with—
(a) a provision of the scheme coordinator agreement; or
(b) a provision of a network operator agreement that applies to a
network operator with whom the scheme coordinator has
entered into a network arrangement; or
(c) a provision of division 10A.6; or
(d) a regulation made under section 64J or section 64N.
(4) A provision of a collection point arrangement entered into between a
network operator and a collection point operator is void to the extent
to which it is inconsistent with—
(a) a provision of the network operator agreement that applies to the
network operator and relates to the arrangement; or
(b) a provision of division 10A.6; or
(c) a regulation made under section 64N.
64Q
Penalties for contravention
64Q Penalties for contravention
(1) A scheme administration agreement may be enforced by a civil
penalty or in any other way the agreement provides.
(2) The scheme coordinator or a network operator who contravenes a
provision of a scheme administration agreement enforceable by a
civil penalty is liable to pay, as a debt due to the Territory, an amount
determined in accordance with the agreement as the penalty for the
contravention.
(3) This section and a provision of a scheme administration agreement
authorised by this section have effect despite any other law.
civil penalty means an amount payable to the Territory for the
contravention of a stated provision of the agreement.
64R
Monitoring and enforcement of compliance
64R Monitoring and enforcement of compliance
(1) A scheme administration agreement may—
(a) set out the monitoring, reporting and audit requirements to be
included in a scheme arrangement; and
(b) provide for the exercise of functions under part 13
(Enforcement) by the waste manager (and authorised people
appointed by the director-general) in relation to the agreement;
and
(c) require a scheme arrangement to provide for the exercise of
functions under part 13 by the waste manager (and authorised
people appointed by the director-general) in relation to the
scheme arrangement; and
(d) set out any other measures to be taken by the scheme coordinator
or network operator to whom the agreement applies to ensure
that the parties comply with a scheme arrangement.
Scheme compliance Division 10A.5
(2) If a scheme administration agreement provides, or a scheme
arrangement provides (or is required under a scheme administration
agreement to provide), for the exercise of functions under part 13 in
relation to the agreement or arrangement, part 13 extends to the
exercise of functions by the waste manager (and by authorised people
appointed by the director-general) for—
(a) deciding whether there has been compliance with, or a
contravention of, the agreement or arrangement (or any
condition of an approval granted by the waste manager in
relation to the arrangement); and
(b) obtaining information or records about the monitoring or audit
of the activities of parties to the agreement or arrangement in
relation to the performance of their obligations under the
agreement or arrangement.
(3) Part 13 applies as if the responsibilities and functions of the waste
manager under this Act included the matters mentioned in
subsection (2).
(4) This section does not affect the exercise of functions under part 13 in
relation to this Act that are authorised to be exercised without reliance
on this section.
64S
Performance audit
64S Performance audit
(1) At the request of the Minister, the waste manager must conduct a
performance audit of the activities of the scheme coordinator or any
network operator in relation to the performance of obligations under
a scheme administration agreement.
(2) At the end of the performance audit, the waste manager must give the
Minister a written report.
(3) If the waste manager is of the opinion that the scheme coordinator or
a network operator is not complying with the scheme administration
agreement, the waste manager may make recommendations to the
Minister on appropriate remedial action to be taken.
(4) A regulation may make provision in relation to performance audits
under this section.
64T
Register of approved containers and collection points
64T Register of approved containers and collection points
(1) The scheme coordinator must maintain a register of approved
containers and collection points.
(2) The register must contain the following details for each approved
container:
(a) a description of the container, including the following:
(i) the kind of container;
(ii) its size, by volume;
(iii) the material it is made of;
(b) the manufacturer;
(c) the barcode;
(d) the date the container approval for the container was given;
(e) if the container approval for the container was given under a
corresponding law of a State—the State;
(f) if the container approval for the container has ended—the date
the approval ended;
(g) any conditions of the approval.
(3) The register must include the following in relation to each collection
point:
(a) the location;
(b) the opening hours;
(c) the name of the collection point operator;
(d) the kind of containers that can be redeemed there.
(4) The register may contain anything else prescribed by regulation.
(5) The register—
(a) may be kept in any form, including electronically, that the
scheme coordinator decides; but
(b) must be accessible by the public and searchable.
64U
Reports by scheme coordinator
64U Reports by scheme coordinator
(1) The scheme coordinator must, within 90 days after the end of each
financial year, give the Minister a written report about the following:
(a) the performance of the scheme coordinator in relation to the
performance targets under the scheme coordinator agreement;
(b) the amounts charged to suppliers under supply arrangements;
(c) any other matter prescribed by regulation.
(2) The Minister must present the report to the Legislative Assembly
within 3 months after the day the Minister receives the report.
Subdiv 10A
6.1 Supply of approved containers
Subdivision 10A.6.1 Supply of approved containers
64V
Container approvals
64V Container approvals
(1) A supplier may apply to the waste manager for approval of a container
or class of containers for a beverage.
(2) An application must—
(b) contain or be accompanied by the information prescribed by
regulation.
(3) The waste manager must, within 56 days after receiving the
application (the required time)—
(4) The waste manager may refuse the application on any of the
following grounds:
(a) a supply arrangement is not in force between the supplier and
the scheme coordinator;
(b) the labelling for the container or containers of the class to which
the application relates does not include a refund marking;
(c) a ground prescribed by regulation.
(5) If the waste manager does not decide the application within the
required time, the waste manager is taken to have refused the
application.
(6) A container approval may—
(a) be limited to containers supplied by the person to whom the
approval is granted; and
(b) include—
(i) conditions prescribed by regulation; and
(ii) any other conditions not inconsistent with a condition
under subparagraph (i) that the waste manager imposes on
the applicant.
(7) The waste manager may suspend or revoke a container approval on
any grounds prescribed by regulation.
(8) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person holds a container approval; and
(b) the person fails to comply with a condition of the approval.
(9) Strict liability applies to subsection (8) (a) and (b).
64W
Requirement for supply arrangement with scheme
64W Requirement for supply arrangement with scheme
coordinator and container approval
(1) A supplier commits an offence if—
(a) the supplier supplies or offers to supply a beverage in a container
to another person; and
(b) the following are not in force:
(i) a supply arrangement between the supplier and the scheme
coordinator for the class of container to which the container
belongs;
(ii) a container approval granted to the supplier for the class of
containers to which the container belongs.
(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1) (b).
64X
Requirement for refund markings on containers
64X Requirement for refund markings on containers
(1) A supplier commits an offence if—
(a) the supplier supplies or offers to supply a beverage in a container
to a person; and
(b) the container does not bear a refund marking.
(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1) (b).
Subdivision 10A.6.2 Collection of containers
64Y
Refund amounts payable by collection point operators
64Y Refund amounts payable by collection point operators
(1) A collection point operator commits an offence if—
(a) a person presents an empty container to a collection point
operated by the collection point operator; and
(b) the container bears a refund marking; and
(c) the person claims a refund amount for the container from the
collection point operator; and
(d) the collection point operator does not—
(i) accept the container from the person; or
(ii) pay the person the refund amount for the container at the
time required under subsection (3).
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply—
(a) if the collection point operator reasonably believes that—
(i) the container was not acquired in the ACT or in a State in
which a corresponding law is in force; or
(iii) a refund amount has previously been paid for the container
at any collection point; or
payment in relation to the container to that operator under
the scheme coordinator agreement; or
(b) if the person has refused to comply with a requirement of the
collection point operator under section 64Z; or
(c) in any other circumstance prescribed by regulation.
mentioned in s (2) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
(3) A refund amount that is payable under this section must be paid at the
time the collection point operator accepts the container, or any later
time prescribed by regulation.
64Z
Refund declarations and proof of identity
64Z Refund declarations and proof of identity
(1) A collection point operator may require a person who presents a
container to a collection point to claim a refund amount to give the
operator a refund declaration.
(2) A collection point operator may refuse to pay a person a refund
amount if the operator is not satisfied about the person’s identity.
(3) A collection point operator must not pay a person a refund amount in
either of the following circumstances unless the person has given the
operator a refund declaration and proof of the person’s identity:
(a) if the number of containers for which the person is claiming a
refund amount at the collection point is more than the number
prescribed by regulation;
(b) if the operator knows, or believes on reasonable grounds, that
the total number of containers presented to the collection point
by the person, and anyone else acting on the person’s behalf,
within the period prescribed by regulation for claiming a refund
is more than the number prescribed by regulation.
(4) A collection point operator must keep for at least 3 years any records
prescribed by regulation in relation to—
(a) refunds paid by the operator; and
(b) proof of identity given to the operator.
(5) A collection point operator commits an offence if the collection point
operator fails to comply with a requirement under subsection (4).
Maximum penalty: 40 penalty units.
(6) An offence against subsection (5) is a strict liability offence.
refund declaration means a declaration containing the information
prescribed by regulation.
64ZA Offence—claiming refund for containers not subject to
scheme
(a) the person presents a container to a collection point to claim a
refund; and
(b) the person knows, or ought reasonably to know that—
(i) the container was not acquired in the Territory or in a State
in which a corresponding law is in force; or
(iii) a refund amount has previously been paid for the container
at a collection point; or
payment in relation to the container to the operator under
the scheme coordinator agreement.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2) A scheme participant commits an offence if—
(a) the scheme participant gives an invoice or other statement to a
scheme administrator; and
(b) the invoice or other statement claims a refund amount payable
by the scheme administrator to the scheme participant for a
container under a scheme arrangement; and
(c) the scheme participant knows, or ought reasonably to know
that—
(i) the container was not acquired in the ACT or in a State in
which a corresponding law is in force; or
(iii) a refund amount has been paid for the container more than
once at any 1 or more collection points; or
payment in relation to the container to the operator under
the scheme coordinator agreement.
scheme administrator means the scheme coordinator or a network
operator.
scheme participant means a network operator or collection point
operator.
64ZB Authorisations for Competition and Consumer Act 2010
(Cwlth)
For the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cwlth), this part
authorises—
(a) everything done under this part; and
(b) all scheme administration agreements and scheme arrangements
made under this part; and
(c) everything done under a scheme administration agreement or a
scheme arrangement authorised by this part.
Note 1 For the Competition Code of the Australian Capital Territory, see the
Competition Policy Reform Act 1996, s 5 and s 10.
Reporting Part 11
Part 11
Reporting
65
Waste activity report
65 Waste activity report
(1) A licensee or registered waste transporter must give the waste
manager a report (a waste activity report), in writing, about waste
activities carried out in a reporting period.
(2) The report must—
(a) contain information prescribed by regulation; and
(b) be given to the waste manager not later than 1 month after the
end of the reporting period.
reporting period means the period prescribed by regulation.
66
Offence—fail to report to waste manager
66 Offence—fail to report to waste manager
(a) is required to give the waste manager a report under section 65;
and
(b) fails to give the report to the waste manager in accordance with
section 65 (2).
67
Declaration exempting person or activity
67 Declaration exempting person or activity
(1) The waste manager may, on application or on the manager’s own
initiative, declare the following exempt from a provision of this Act:
(a) a person or class of people;
(b) waste activity of a particular kind or generally.
(2) A declaration under subsection (1) may be made only—
(a) in an emergency; or
Examples—emergency
• fire
• flood
• fuel shortage
(b) if the waste manager is satisfied that—
(i) it is not practicable to comply with the provision; and
(ii) noncompliance with the provision will not have any
significant adverse effect on public health, property or the
environment.
(3) An exemption in a declaration may include conditions.
(4) A declaration—
(a) made in circumstances mentioned in subsection (2) (a)—is a
notifiable instrument; and
(b) made in circumstances mentioned in subsection (2) (b)—is a
disallowable instrument.
Exemptions Part 12
(5) A declaration made in an emergency may commence when it is made
or on a later date stated in the declaration.
68
Renewal of declaration
68 Renewal of declaration
(1) The waste manager may renew a declaration.
(2) An exemption, under a declaration, given to a person within 5 years
after the expiry of an earlier exemption, and in the same terms as the
earlier exemption, is taken to be a renewal of the earlier exemption.
69
Term of declaration
69 Term of declaration
A declaration, including renewal of the declaration, may not be in
force for a total period of more than 5 years.
70
Direction to stop contravening Act etc
70 Direction to stop contravening Act etc
(1) This section applies if the waste manager believes on reasonable
grounds that a person is—
(a) contravening this Act; or
(b) contravening a condition of a licence; or
(c) contravening a condition of registration as a waste transporter;
or
(d) failing to comply with a requirement of a scheme administration
(2) The waste manager may direct the person to comply with this Act, or
the condition or requirement by doing, or not doing, a thing (a
compliance direction).
(3) A compliance direction may require the person to carry out remedial
action if the waste manager considers the action is necessary to
restore land that is damaged because of the person’s contravention.
(4) A compliance direction must be in writing and state—
(a) the thing required to be done, or not done; and
(b) the period for compliance with the direction.
Directions Division 13.1
71
Directions—stockpiling materials and delivering waste
71 Directions—stockpiling materials and delivering waste
(1) The waste manager may give a person directions in relation to the
following:
(a) stockpiling waste;
(b) delivering waste to a named waste facility;
(c) an activity prescribed by regulation.
(2) The waste manager may give a person a direction under
subsection (1) (b) even though the direction is contrary to the person’s
obligation in relation to the delivery of the waste under a licence.
(3) A direction must be in writing and state—
(a) the thing required to be done, or not done; and
(b) the period for compliance with the direction.
72
Offence—fail to comply with direction
72 Offence—fail to comply with direction
(a) the waste manager gives the person a direction under section 70
or section 71; and
(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.
Subdiv 13
2.1 General
Subdivision 13.2.1 General
73
Definitions—div 13.2
73 Definitions—div 13.2
In this division:
connected—a thing is connected with an offence if—
(a) the offence has been committed in relation to it; or
(b) it will provide evidence of the commission of the offence; or
(c) it was used, is being used, or is intended to be used, to commit
the offence.
occupier, of premises, includes—
(a) a person believed on reasonable grounds to be an occupier of the
(b) a person apparently in charge of the premises.
offence includes an offence that there are reasonable grounds for
believing has been, is being, or will be, committed.
premises includes land.
warrant means a warrant issued under subdivision 13.2.3 (Search
warrants).
74
Appointment
74 Appointment
The director-general may appoint a public servant as an authorised
person for this Act.
Note 1 For the making of appointments (including acting appointments), see the
Legislation Act, pt 19.3.
Note 2 In particular, a person may be appointed for a particular provision of a
law (see Legislation Act, s 7 (3)) and an appointment may be made by
naming a person or nominating the occupant of a position (see Legislation
Act, s 207).
75
Identity cards
75 Identity cards
(1) The director-general must give each authorised person an identity
card that states the person’s name and appointment as an authorised
person, and shows—
(a) a recent photograph of the person; and
(b) the date of issue of the card; and
(c) the date of expiry of the card; and
(d) anything else prescribed by regulation.
(2) A person commits an offence if the person—
(a) stops being an authorised person; and
(b) does not return the person’s identity card to the director-general
as soon as practicable (but within 7 days) after the day the person
stops being an authorised person.
Maximum penalty: 1 penalty unit.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a person if the person’s identity card
is—
(a) lost or stolen; or
(b) destroyed by someone else.
(4) An offence against this section is a strict liability offence.
76
Authorised person must show identity card on exercising
76 Authorised person must show identity card on exercising
power
(1) If an authorised person exercises a power under this Act that affects
an individual, the authorised person must first show the authorised
person’s identity card to the individual.
(2) If an authorised person exercises a power under this Act that affects
a person, other than an individual, the authorised person must first
show the authorised person’s identity card to an individual the
authorised person believes on reasonable grounds is an employee,
officer or agent of the person.
Examples—person other than an individual
• corporation
• partnership
Subdivision 13.2.2 Powers
77
Power to enter premises
77 Power to enter premises
(1) For this Act, an authorised person may—
(a) at any reasonable time, enter premises that the public is entitled
to use or that are open to the public (whether or not on payment
of money); or
(b) at any time, enter premises with the occupier’s consent; or
(c) at any time, enter premises if the authorised person believes on
reasonable grounds that—
(i) there is a risk to the environment or to public health and
safety; and
(ii) the risk is so serious and urgent that immediate entry to the
premises without the authority of a search warrant is
necessary; or
(d) enter premises in accordance with a search warrant.
(2) However—
(a) subsection (1) (a) does not authorise entry into a part of the
premises that is being used only for residential purposes; and
(b) subsection (1) (c) does not authorise entry into premises that are
used for residential purposes, unless the premises are also the
place from which a waste management business is conducted.
(3) An authorised person may, without the consent of the occupier of
premises, enter land around the premises to ask for consent to enter
the premises.
(4) To remove any doubt, an authorised person may enter premises under
subsection (1) without payment of an entry fee or other charge.
(5) An authorised person may—
(a) for subsection (1) (a), (b) or (c)—enter the premises with
necessary assistance; and
(b) for subsection (1) (d)—enter the premises with necessary
assistance and force.
Note A search warrant to enter premises, issued under this Act, permits an
authorised person to enter premises with any necessary assistance and
force.
(6) In this section:
necessary assistance, for an authorised person entering premises,
includes the attendance of 1 or more people who, in the opinion of
the authorised person, have knowledge or skills that could assist in
carrying out the authorised person’s functions.
78
Production of identity card
78 Production of identity card
An authorised person and any other person other than a police officer
who is accompanying the authorised person may not remain at
premises entered under this part if the authorised person does not
produce the authorised person’s identity card when asked by the
occupier.
79
Consent to entry
79 Consent to entry
(1) When seeking the consent of an occupier to enter premises under
section 77 (1) (b) (Power to enter premises), an authorised person
must—
(a) produce the authorised person’s identity card; and
(b) tell the occupier—
(i) the purpose of the entry; and
(ii) the reason for, and identity of, any other person
accompanying the authorised person; and
(iii) that anything found and seized under this part may be used
in evidence in court; and
(iv) that consent may be refused.
(2) If the occupier consents, the authorised person must ask the occupier
to sign a written acknowledgment (an acknowledgment of
consent)—
(a) that the occupier was told—
(i) the purpose of the entry; and
(ii) the reason for, and identity of, any other person
accompanying the authorised person; and
(iii) that anything found and seized under this part may be used
in evidence in court; and
(iv) that consent may be refused; and
(b) that the occupier consented to the entry; and
(c) stating the time and date when consent was given.
(3) If the occupier signs an acknowledgment of consent, the authorised
person must immediately give a copy to the occupier.
(4) A court must find that the occupier did not consent to entry to the
premises by the authorised person under this part if—
(a) the question whether the occupier consented to the entry arises
in a proceeding in the court; and
(b) an acknowledgment of consent for the entry is not produced in
evidence; and
(c) it is not proved that the occupier consented to the entry.
80
General powers on entry to premises
80 General powers on entry to premises
(1) An authorised person who enters premises under this part may, for
this Act, do 1 or more of the following in relation to the premises or
anything at the premises:
(a) inspect or examine;
(b) take measurements or conduct tests;
(c) take samples;
(d) make sketches, drawings or any other kind of record (including
photographs, films, audio, video or other recordings);
(e) require the occupier, or anyone at the premises, to give the
authorised person reasonable help to exercise a power under this
part.
Note The Legislation Act, s 170 and s 171 deal with the application of the
privilege against self-incrimination and client legal privilege.
(2) A person must take all reasonable steps to comply with a requirement
made of the person under subsection (1) (e).
81
Power to seize things
81 Power to seize things
(1) An authorised person who enters premises under this part with the
occupier’s consent may seize anything at the premises if seizure of
the thing is consistent with the purpose of the entry told to the
occupier when seeking the occupier’s consent.
(2) An authorised person who enters premises under a warrant under this
part may seize anything at the premises that the authorised person is
authorised to seize under the warrant.
(3) An authorised person who enters premises under this part (whether
with the occupier’s consent, under a warrant or otherwise) may seize
anything at the premises if satisfied on reasonable grounds that—
(a) the thing is connected with an offence against this Act; and
(b) the seizure is necessary to prevent the thing from being—
(i) concealed, lost or destroyed; or
(ii) used to commit, continue or repeat the offence.
(4) Having seized a thing, an authorised person may—
(a) remove the thing from the premises where it was seized (the
place of seizure) to another place; or
(b) leave the thing at the place of seizure but restrict access to it.
(5) A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person interferes with a seized thing, or anything containing
a seized thing, to which access has been restricted under
subsection (4); and
(b) the person does not have an authorised person’s approval to
interfere with the thing.
(6) An offence against subsection (5) is a strict liability offence.
82
Direction to give name and address
82 Direction to give name and address
(1) This section applies if an authorised person believes on reasonable
grounds that a person—
(a) has committed, is committing or is about to commit an offence
against this Act; or
(b) may be able to assist in the investigation of an offence against
this Act.
(2) The authorised person may direct the person to give the authorised
person, immediately, any of the following personal details (a name
and address direction):
(a) the person’s full name;
(b) the person’s home address.
Note The authorised person must first show the person the authorised person’s
identity card (see s 76).
(3) If the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that a
personal detail given by a person in response to a name and address
direction is false or misleading, the authorised person may direct the
person to produce evidence immediately of the correctness of the
detail (an evidence direction).
(4) If an authorised person gives a direction to a person, the authorised
person must tell the person that it is an offence if the person fails to
comply with the direction.
(5) If an authorised person gives a direction to a person, the authorised
person must give the direction in a language, or in a way of
communicating, that the authorised person believes on reasonable
grounds the person is likely to understand.
83
Offence—fail to comply with direction to give name and
83 Offence—fail to comply with direction to give name and
address
(a) is the subject of—
(i) a name and address direction; or
(ii) an evidence direction; and
(b) fails to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units.
Note It is an offence to make a false or misleading statement or give false or
misleading information (see Criminal Code, pt 3.4).
(3) This section does not apply to a person if the authorised person,
before giving the direction, did not—
(a) produce the authorised person’s identity card for inspection by
the person; or
(b) warn the person that failure to comply with the direction is an
offence.
mentioned in s (3) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
direction means a name and address direction or an evidence
direction.
evidence direction—see subsection 82 (3).
name and address direction—see subsection 82 (2).
Subdivision 13.2.3 Search warrants
84
Warrants generally
84 Warrants generally
(1) An authorised person may apply to a magistrate for a warrant to enter
premises.
(a) be sworn; and
(b) state the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
(3) The magistrate may refuse to consider the application until the
authorised person gives the magistrate all the information the
magistrate requires about the application in the way the magistrate
requires.
(4) The magistrate may issue a warrant only if satisfied there are
reasonable grounds for suspecting—
(a) there is a particular thing or activity connected with an offence
against this Act; and
(b) the thing or activity—
(i) is, or is being engaged in, at the premises; or
(ii) may be, or may be engaged in, at the premises within the
next 14 days.
(5) The warrant must state—
(a) that an authorised person may, with any necessary assistance
and force, enter the premises and exercise the authorised
person’s powers under this part; and
(b) the offence for which the warrant is issued; and
(c) the things that may be seized under the warrant; and
(d) the hours when the premises may be entered; and
(e) the date, within 14 days after the day of the warrant’s issue,
when the warrant ends.
85
Warrants—application other than in person
85 Warrants—application other than in person
(1) An authorised person may apply for a warrant by phone, fax, radio,
email, letter or other form of communication if the authorised person
considers it necessary because of—
(a) urgent circumstances; or
(b) other special circumstances.
(2) Before applying for the warrant, the authorised person must prepare
an application stating the grounds on which the warrant is sought.
(3) The authorised person may apply for the warrant before the
application is sworn.
(4) After issuing the warrant, the magistrate must immediately provide a
written copy to the authorised person if it is practicable to do so.
(5) If it is not practicable to provide a written copy of the warrant to the
authorised person—
(a) the magistrate must tell the authorised person—
(i) what the terms of the warrant are; and
(ii) the date and time the warrant was issued; and
(b) the authorised person must complete a form of warrant (the
warrant form) and write on it—
(i) the magistrate’s name; and
(ii) the date and time the magistrate issued the warrant; and
(iii) the warrant’s terms.
(6) The written copy of the warrant, or the warrant form properly
completed by the authorised person, authorises the entry and the
exercise of the authorised person’s powers under this part.
(7) The authorised person must, at the first reasonable opportunity, send
to the magistrate—
(a) the sworn application; and
(b) if the authorised person completed a warrant form—the
completed warrant form.
(8) On receiving the documents mentioned in subsection (7), the
magistrate must attach them to the warrant.
(9) A court must find that a power exercised by an authorised person was
not authorised by a warrant under this section if—
(a) the question arises in a proceeding before the court whether the
exercise of power was authorised by a warrant; and
(b) the warrant is not produced in evidence; and
(c) it is not proved that the exercise of power was authorised by a
warrant under this section.
86
Search warrants—announcement before entry
86 Search warrants—announcement before entry
(1) An authorised person must, before anyone enters premises under a
search warrant—
(a) announce that the authorised person is authorised to enter the
(b) give anyone at the premises an opportunity to allow entry to the
(c) if the occupier of the premises, or someone else who apparently
represents the occupier, is present at the premises—identify
themself to the person.
(2) The authorised person is not required to comply with subsection (1)
if the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that
immediate entry to the premises is required to ensure—
(a) the safety of anyone (including the authorised person or any
person assisting); or
(b) that the effective execution of the warrant is not frustrated.
87
Details of search warrant to be given to occupier etc
87 Details of search warrant to be given to occupier etc
If the occupier of the premises, or someone else who apparently
represents the occupier, is present at the premises while a search
warrant is being executed, the authorised person or a person assisting
must make available to the person—
(a) a copy of the warrant; and
(b) a document setting out the rights and obligations of the person.
88
Occupier entitled to be present during search etc
88 Occupier entitled to be present during search etc
(1) If the occupier of the premises, or someone else who apparently
represents the occupier, is present at the premises while a search
warrant is being executed, the person is entitled to observe the search
being conducted.
(2) However, the person is not entitled to observe the search if—
(a) to do so would impede the search; or
(b) the person is under arrest, and allowing the person to observe
the search being conducted would interfere with the objectives
of the search.
(3) This section does not prevent 2 or more areas of the premises being
searched at the same time.
Subdivision 13.2.4 Return and forfeiture of things seized
89
Receipt for things seized
89 Receipt for things seized
(1) As soon as practicable after a thing is seized by an authorised person
under this part, the authorised person must give a receipt for it to the
person from whom it was seized.
(2) If, for any reason, it is not practicable to comply with subsection (1),
the authorised person must leave the receipt, secured conspicuously
at the place of seizure under section 81 (Power to seize things).
(3) A receipt under this section must include the following:
(a) a description of the thing seized;
(b) an explanation of why the thing was seized;
(c) the authorised person’s name, and how to contact the authorised
person;
(d) if the thing is moved from the premises where it is seized—
where the thing is to be taken.
90
Moving things to another place for examination or
90 Moving things to another place for examination or
processing under search warrant
(1) A thing found at premises entered under a search warrant may be
moved to another place for examination or processing to decide
whether it may be seized under the warrant if—
(a) both of the following apply:
(i) there are reasonable grounds for believing that the thing is
or contains something to which the warrant relates;
(ii) it is significantly more practicable to do so having regard
to the timeliness and cost of examining or processing the
thing at another place and the availability of expert
assistance; or
(b) the occupier of the premises agrees in writing.
(2) The thing may be moved to another place for examination or
processing for not longer than 72 hours.
(3) An authorised person may apply to a magistrate for an extension of
time if the authorised person believes on reasonable grounds that the
thing cannot be examined or processed within 72 hours.
(4) The authorised person must give notice of the application to the
occupier of the premises, and the occupier is entitled to be heard on
the application.
(5) If a thing is moved to another place under this section, the authorised
person must, if practicable—
(a) tell the occupier of the premises the address of the place where,
and time when, the examination or processing will be carried
out; and
(b) allow the occupier or the occupier’s representative to be present
during the examination or processing.
(6) The provisions of this part relating to the issue of search warrants
apply, with any necessary changes, to the giving of an extension
under this section.
91
Access to things seized
91 Access to things seized
A person who would, apart from the seizure, be entitled to inspect a
thing seized under this part may—
(a) inspect the thing; and
(b) photograph the thing; and
(c) if the thing is a document—take extracts from, or make copies
of, the thing.
92
Return of things seized
92 Return of things seized
(1) A thing seized under this part must be returned to its owner, or
reasonable compensation must be paid to the owner by the Territory
for the loss of the thing, if—
(a) an infringement notice for an offence connected with the thing
is not served on the owner within 1 year after the day of the
seizure and either—
(i) a prosecution for an offence connected with the thing is not
begun within the 1-year period; or
(ii) a prosecution for an offence connected with the thing is
begun within the 1-year period but the court does not find
the offence proved; or
(b) an infringement notice for an offence connected with the thing
is served on the owner within 1 year after the day of the seizure,
the infringement notice is withdrawn and—
(i) a prosecution for an offence connected with the thing is not
begun within 1 year after the day of the seizure; or
(ii) a prosecution for an offence connected with the thing is
begun within 1 year after the day of the seizure but the
court does not find the offence proved; or
(c) an infringement notice for an offence connected with the thing
is served on the owner within 1 year after the day of the seizure,
liability for the offence is disputed in accordance with the
Magistrates Court Act 1930, section 132 (Disputing liability for
infringement notice offence) and—
(i) an information is not laid in the Magistrates Court against
the person for the offence within 60 days after the day
notice is given under that section; or
(ii) the Magistrates Court does not find the offence proved.
(2) If anything seized under this part is not required to be returned or
reasonable compensation is not required to be paid under
subsection (1), the thing—
(a) is forfeited to the Territory; and
(b) may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the waste
manager directs.
Subdivision 13.2.5 Miscellaneous
93
Damage etc to be minimised
93 Damage etc to be minimised
(1) In the exercise, or purported exercise, of a function under this part, an
authorised person must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the
authorised person, and any person assisting the authorised person,
causes as little inconvenience, detriment and damage as is practicable.
(2) If an authorised person, or a person assisting an authorised person,
damages anything in the exercise or purported exercise of a function
under this part, the authorised person must give written notice of the
particulars of the damage to the person whom the authorised person
believes on reasonable grounds is the owner of the thing.
(3) If the damage happens at premises entered under this part in the
absence of the occupier, the notice may be given by leaving it secured
in a conspicuous place at the premises.
94
Compensation for exercise of enforcement powers
94 Compensation for exercise of enforcement powers
(1) A person may claim compensation from the Territory if the person
suffers loss or expense because of the exercise, or purported exercise,
of a function under this part by—
(a) an authorised person; or
(b) a person assisting an authorised person.
(2) Compensation may be claimed and ordered in a proceeding for—
(a) compensation brought in a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(b) an offence against this Act brought against the person making
the claim for compensation.
(3) A court may order the payment of reasonable compensation for the
loss or expense only if it is satisfied it is just to make the order in the
circumstances of the particular case.
(4) A regulation may prescribe matters that may, must or must not be
taken into account by the court in considering whether it is just to
make the order.
95
Definitions—pt 14
95 Definitions—pt 14
enforceable undertaking means a proposed undertaking that has
been accepted by the waste manager under section 97.
proposed undertaking—see section 96 (3).
undertakings register—see section 98.
96
Making of proposed undertakings
96 Making of proposed undertakings
(1) This section applies if the waste manager believes on reasonable
grounds that a person has committed an offence against part 15
(Offences) (the alleged offence).
(2) The waste manager may give the person written notice stating—
(a) that the waste manager believes the person has committed the
alleged offence; and
(b) the grounds for the waste manager’s belief; and
(c) the facts of the alleged offence; and
(d) the following:
(i) that the person may enter an enforceable undertaking with
the waste manager for the alleged offence under this part;
(ii) information about the effect of—
(A) entering an enforceable undertaking, including the
consequences of contravening the undertaking; and
(B) not entering an enforceable undertaking;
(iii) how the person may enter and withdraw from an
enforceable undertaking;
(iv) the assurances about the person’s future conduct that the
waste manager would be prepared to accept for an
enforceable undertaking.
(3) If the person wishes to enter into an enforceable undertaking with the
waste manager, the person must give the waste manager a written
proposal (a proposed undertaking) about the person’s future conduct
as a result of the alleged offence.
(4) The proposed undertaking must—
(a) acknowledge that the waste manager believes that the person has
committed an alleged offence; and
(b) contain a statement by the person—
(i) that the person understands that the proposed undertaking
becomes an enforceable undertaking when accepted by the
waste manager; and
(ii) setting out assurances about the person’s future conduct for
the enforceable undertaking; and
(iii) agreeing to be bound by the enforceable undertaking; and
(c) include any other information prescribed by regulation.
Examples—assurances about person’s future conduct
1 to stop certain conduct
2 to take particular action to compensate people adversely affected by an alleged
offence committed against a stated provision of this Act
3 to take particular action to rectify a state of affairs that arose as a direct or
indirect result of the alleged offence
4 to take particular action (including implementing particular systems) to
prevent future offences against this Act
5 to implement publicity or education programs
97
Acceptance of proposed undertaking
97 Acceptance of proposed undertaking
(1) If the waste manager accepts a proposed undertaking the waste
manager must by written notice tell the person that gave the
undertaking that the undertaking has been accepted and is an
enforceable undertaking for this Act.
(2) On acceptance of the proposed undertaking, the undertaking becomes
enforceable (an enforceable undertaking).
98
Register of enforceable undertakings
98 Register of enforceable undertakings
(1) The waste manager must keep a register of enforceable undertakings
(the undertakings register).
(2) The undertakings register must include the following details for each
undertaking:
(a) the name of the person that gave the undertaking;
(b) particulars of the undertaking given;
(c) the date the undertaking takes effect;
(d) anything else prescribed by regulation.
(3) The undertakings register may include any other information the
waste manager considers relevant.
(4) The undertakings register may be kept in any form, including
electronically, that the waste manager decides.
(5) The waste manager may—
(a) correct a mistake, error or omission in the undertakings register;
and
(b) change a detail included in the register to keep the register
up-to-date.
99
Withdrawal from or amendment of enforceable
99 Withdrawal from or amendment of enforceable
undertaking
(1) The person that gave an enforceable undertaking may withdraw from
or amend the undertaking only with the waste manager’s written
(2) However, the undertaking may not be amended to provide for a
different alleged offence.
100
Ending enforceable undertaking
100 Ending enforceable undertaking
(1) The waste manager may end an enforceable undertaking by written
notice to the person that gave the undertaking if satisfied on
reasonable grounds that the undertaking is no longer necessary or
desirable to ensure that the person complies with this Act.
(2) The waste manager may act under subsection (1) on the waste
manager’s own initiative or on the application of the person that gave
the undertaking.
(3) The undertaking ends when the person that gave the undertaking
receives the waste manager’s notice.
101
Undertaking not admission of fault etc
101 Undertaking not admission of fault etc
(1) This section applies if a person gives the waste manager a proposed
undertaking in relation to an alleged offence, whether or not the
undertaking is accepted by the waste manager.
(2) Giving the proposed undertaking is neither—
(a) an express or implied admission of fault or liability by the
person in relation to the alleged offence; nor
(b) relevant to deciding fault or liability in relation to the alleged
offence.
(3) Neither a proposed undertaking nor an enforceable undertaking is
admissible in evidence in a court or tribunal in any proceeding for the
alleged offence.
102
Contravention of enforceable undertakings
102 Contravention of enforceable undertakings
(1) If the waste manager believes on reasonable grounds that an
enforceable undertaking has been contravened, the waste manager
may apply to the Magistrates Court for an order under subsection (2).
(2) If the Magistrates Court is satisfied that the enforceable undertaking
has been contravened, the court may make 1 or more of the following
orders:
(a) an order requiring the person who gave the undertaking to
ensure that the undertaking is not contravened;
(b) an order requiring the person who gave the undertaking to pay
to the Territory the amount assessed by the court as the value of
the benefits anyone derived, directly or indirectly, from the
contravention of the undertaking;
(c) an order that the court considers appropriate requiring the person
who gave the undertaking to compensate someone who has
suffered loss or damage because of the contravention of the
undertaking;
(d) any other order that the court considers appropriate.
103
Effect of enforceable undertaking on other proceedings
103 Effect of enforceable undertaking on other proceedings
A proceeding may not be brought against a person for an alleged
offence mentioned in an enforceable undertaking if—
(a) the enforceable undertaking is in force in relation to the alleged
(b) the person has not failed to comply with the enforceable
undertaking in relation to the alleged offence.
104
Criminal liability of partners—pt 15
104 Criminal liability of partners—pt 15
(1) This section applies if a partnership through a partner, servant or
agent—
(b) the conduct is an offence against this part.
(2) Each partner (a liable partner) in the partnership is taken to commit
the offence.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this part if a
liable partner proves that—
(a) the partner did not know about the conduct that constituted the
(b) either—
(i) the partner took reasonable precautions and exercised
appropriate diligence to ensure the partnership did not
engage in the conduct; or
(ii) the partner was not in a position to influence the
partnership in relation to the conduct.
Note The defendant has a legal burden in relation to the matters mentioned in
s (3) (see Criminal Code, s 59).
Liability of managers etc Division 15.1
105
Criminal liability of executive officers—pt 15
105 Criminal liability of executive officers—pt 15
(1) An executive officer of a corporation is taken to commit an offence
if—
(a) the corporation commits a relevant offence; and
(b) the officer was reckless about whether the relevant offence
would be committed; and
(c) the officer was in a position to influence the conduct of the
corporation in relation to the commission of the relevant
(d) the officer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the
commission of the relevant offence.
Maximum penalty: The maximum penalty that may be imposed for
the commission of the relevant offence by an individual.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the corporation has a defence to a
prosecution for the relevant offence.
mentioned in s (2) (see Criminal Code, s 58).
(3) In deciding whether the executive officer took (or failed to take)
reasonable steps to prevent the commission of the relevant offence, a
court must consider the following:
(a) any action the officer took directed towards ensuring the
following (to the extent that the action is relevant to the act or
omission):
(i) that the corporation arranges regular professional
assessments of the corporation’s compliance with the
provision to which the relevant offence relates;
(ii) that the corporation implements any appropriate
recommendation arising from such an assessment;
(iii) that the corporation’s employees, agents and contractors
have a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the
requirement to comply with the provision to which the
relevant offence relates;
(b) any action the officer took when the officer became aware that
the relevant offence was, or might be, about to be committed.
(4) Subsection (3) does not limit the matters the court may consider.
(5) This section applies whether or not the corporation is prosecuted for,
or convicted of, the relevant offence.
(6) In this section:
executive officer, of a corporation, means a person, by whatever
name called and whether or not the person is a director of the
corporation, who is concerned with, or takes part in, the corporation’s
management.
relevant offence means an offence against any of the following:
(a) section 66 (Offence—fail to report to waste manager);
(b) section 72 (Offence—fail to comply with direction);
(c) section 107 (Unauthorised waste activity);
(d) section 108 (1) (Fail to comply with condition of licence or
registration);
(e) section 109 (Unlawful transporting or depositing of waste);
(f) section 110 (Use of place as waste facility without lawful
authority);
(g) section 111 (Consent required for certain waste activities);
(h) section 112 (False or misleading information about waste);
(i) section 113 (Taking prescribed waste to landfill or other
facility).
106
Meaning of waste site—div 15.2
106 Meaning of waste site—div 15.2
In this division:
waste site means a place used for the storage, sorting, treatment,
processing, or disposal of waste.
107
Unauthorised waste activity
107 Unauthorised waste activity
(a) the person engages in conduct; and
(b) the conduct is a waste activity; and
(c) the person—
(i) if the waste activity includes operating a waste facility—
does not hold a licence in relation to the facility; or
(ii) if the waste activity includes collection or transportation of
waste—is not registered as a waste transporter.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(2) A person who engages in consecutive conduct that contravenes
subsection (1) commits a separate offence for each day or part of each
day of consecutive conduct that happens immediately after the
first day the person engaged in the conduct.
Maximum penalty (for each additional day or part of each additional
day): 50 penalty units.
108
Fail to comply with condition of licence or registration
108 Fail to comply with condition of licence or registration
(a) the person—
(i) holds a licence; or
(ii) is registered as a waste transporter; and
(b) the licence or registration is subject to a condition; and
(c) the person fails to comply with the condition.
109
Unlawful transporting or depositing of waste
109 Unlawful transporting or depositing of waste
(a) the person engages in conduct; and
(b) as a result of the conduct the person—
(i) transports waste to a place; or
(ii) causes or permits waste to be transported to a place; and
(c) the place is not—
(i) if the place is in the ACT—a waste facility operated by a
person that is a licensee in relation to the facility; or
(ii) if the place is outside the ACT—a waste facility operated
by a person that is authorised to operate the facility under
a corresponding law of another State.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(2) In a proceeding for an offence under this section the defendant bears
the onus of proving—
(a) if the defendant is charged with transporting, or causing or
permitting waste to be transported to a place in the ACT—that
the place is a waste facility that was operated by a person that is
a licensee in relation to the facility; or
(b) if the defendant is charged with transporting, or causing or
permitting waste to be transported to a place outside the ACT—
that the place is a waste facility that was operated by a person
that is authorised to operate the facility under a corresponding
law of another State.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (1)
if—
(a) for a prosecution that charges a defendant with having caused or
permitted waste to be transported—the defendant proves—
(i) that the commission of the offence was due to causes over
which the defendant had no control; and
(ii) that the defendant took reasonable precautions and
exercised due diligence to prevent the commission of the
offence; or
(b) generally—the defendant proves that—
(i) an approved notice was, at the time of the alleged offence,
given to the defendant by the owner or occupier of the
place to which the waste was transported or was displayed
at the place; and
(ii) the approved notice stated that the place could lawfully be
used as a waste facility for the waste; and
(iii) the defendant had no reasonable basis to believe that the
place could not lawfully be used as a waste facility for the
waste.
(4) It is not a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant proves that the owner or occupier of a
place told the defendant, other than in the form of an approved notice,
that at the time of the offence the place could be lawfully used as a
waste facility.
(5) In this section:
approved notice means a notice, in a form approved by the waste
manager that—
(a) states that the place to which the notice relates can lawfully be
used as a waste facility for the waste stated in the notice; and
(b) contains a certification by the owner or occupier of the place that
the statement is correct.
110
Use of place as waste facility without lawful authority
110 Use of place as waste facility without lawful authority
(1) A person (the first person) commits an offence if—
(a) the first person is the owner or occupier of a place; and
(b) the first person engages in conduct; and
(c) as a result of the conduct another person uses the place; and
(d) the first person is reckless about whether the other person uses
the place as a waste site; and
Note The fault element of recklessness can be satisfied by proof of
intention, knowledge or recklessness (see Criminal Code, s 20 (4)).
(e) the place is not a waste facility in relation to which the first
person holds a licence.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(2) A person who engages in consecutive conduct that contravenes
subsection (1) commits a separate offence for each day or part of each
day of consecutive conduct that happens immediately after the
first day the person engaged in the conduct.
Maximum penalty (for each additional day or part of each additional
day): 200 penalty units.
111
Consent required for certain waste activities
111 Consent required for certain waste activities
A person commits an offence if—
(a) the person carries out a waste activity; and
(b) the activity is prescribed by regulation; and
(c) the person does not have the waste manager’s written consent to
carry out the activity.
Note 1 The waste manager may exempt people and activities from a
provision of this Act (see s 67).
Note 2 A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory
instruments made or in force under the Act, including any
regulation (see Legislation Act, s 104).
112
False or misleading information about waste
112 False or misleading information about waste
(b) the conduct results in information about waste being given to
another person in the course of dealing with the waste; and
(c) the person knows that the information is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(2) A person commits an offence if the person—
(b) the conduct results in information about waste being given to
another person in the course of dealing with the waste; and
(c) the information is false or misleading in a material particular;
and
(d) the person is reckless as to whether the information is false or
misleading in a material particular.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (2)
if the defendant proves that the defendant took reasonable steps to
ensure that the information was not false or misleading in a material
particular.
Note The defendant has a legal burden in relation to the matters mentioned in
s (3) (see Criminal Code, s 59).
(4) If the court is satisfied that a person charged with an offence under
subsection (1) is not guilty of that offence but is satisfied on the
evidence that the person is guilty of an offence under subsection (2),
the court may find the person guilty of the offence under
subsection (2).
(5) For this section, information is taken to be given to a person in the
course of dealing with waste if it is given—
(a) in the course of an activity relating to the sale or disposal of
waste; or
(b) in the course of an activity relating to the storage, collection,
transport, handling, deposit, transfer, processing, recycling,
recovery, re-use or use of the waste.
(6) Proceedings for an offence against this section may be commenced
only at the request of the waste manager.
give information includes cause or permit information to be given.
information includes a record containing information.
information about waste means information about any of the
following:
(a) the type, classification, characteristics, composition or quantity
of the waste;
(b) the actual or proposed storage, collection, transport, handling,
deposit, transfer, disposal, processing, recycling, recovery,
re-use or use of the waste;
(c) the hazards or potential harm to the environment or human
health associated with the waste or an activity referred to in
paragraph (b).
113
Taking prescribed waste to landfill or other facility
113 Taking prescribed waste to landfill or other facility
A person commits an offence if the person—
(b) as a result of the conduct waste is taken to—
(i) landfill; or
(ii) a facility prescribed by regulation; and
(c) the waste is waste prescribed by regulation.
Note Power to make a statutory instrument (including a regulation) includes
power to make different provision in relation to different matters or
different classes of matters, and to make an instrument that applies
differently by reference to stated exceptions or factors (see Legislation
Act, s 48).
Maximum penalty: 150 penalty units.
114
Definitions—pt 16
114 Definitions—pt 16
affected person, for an original decision, means a person mentioned
in schedule 1, column 4 in relation to the original decision.
original decision means a decision mentioned in schedule 1,
column 3 (other than item 12) under a provision of this Act mentioned
in column 2 in relation to the decision.
reconsideration application—see section 115 (2).
115
Applications for reconsideration
115 Applications for reconsideration
(a) the waste manager has made an original decision; and
(b) an application has not previously been made under this section
for reconsideration of the original decision; and
(c) the ACAT has not decided an application for review of the
original decision.
(2) An affected person for an original decision may apply for
reconsideration of the original decision (a reconsideration
application).
(3) The reconsideration application must—
(a) be in writing signed by the applicant; and
(b) set out the grounds on which reconsideration is sought.
(4) The reconsideration application must be made not later than—
(a) 20 working days after the day the applicant is told about the
original decision by the waste manager; or
Reconsideration of decisions Part 16
(b) any longer period allowed by the waste manager.
Note The waste manager may extend the period after the end of the period
being extended (see Legislation Act, s 151C (3)).
116
Notice to ACAT of application
116 Notice to ACAT of application
(a) an affected person makes a reconsideration application; and
(b) the person also applies to the ACAT for review of the original
decision, whether before or after applying for reconsideration;
and
(c) the ACAT gives the waste manager notice of the application for
review.
(2) The waste manager must tell the ACAT, in writing, about the
reconsideration application.
117
Reconsideration
117 Reconsideration
(1) If the waste manager receives a reconsideration application, the
director-general must—
(a) reconsider the original decision; and
(b) not later than 20 working days after the day the waste manager
receives the application—
(i) make any decision in substitution for the original decision
that the waste manager could have made when making the
original decision; or
(ii) confirm the original decision.
(2) However, the director-general must not take action under
subsection (1) (b) if the ACAT has decided an application for review
of the original decision.
(3) The period mentioned in subsection (1) (b) may be extended for a
stated period by agreement between the director-general and the
applicant.
(4) In reconsidering the original decision, the director-general—
(a) must consider—
(i) any information available to the waste manager when the
waste manager made the original decision; and
(ii) information given in the reconsideration application; and
(b) may consider any other relevant information.
(5) The director-general must ensure that, if the original decision is made
on the waste manager’s behalf by someone else (the original
decision-maker), the director-general or someone other than the
original decision-maker reconsiders the decision.
118
No action by waste manager within time
118 No action by waste manager within time
If the director-general does not make a substitute decision, or confirm
the original decision, by the end of the 20 working days, or the
extended period, mentioned in section 117 (3), the director-general is
taken to have confirmed the original decision.
119
Notice of decisions on reconsideration
119 Notice of decisions on reconsideration
As soon as practicable after reconsidering the original decision, the
director-general must give written notice of the decision on the
reconsideration to—
(a) the applicant; and
(b) the waste manager.
Note If the notice is given to a person who may apply to the ACAT for review
of the decision to which it relates, the notice must be a reviewable
decision notice (see s 121).
Notification and review of decisions Part 17
Part 17
Notification and review of
Part 17 Notification and review of
decisions
120
Definitions—pt 17
120 Definitions—pt 17
decision-maker, for a reviewable decision, means the decision-maker
mentioned in schedule 1, column 5 for the decision.
reviewable decision means a decision mentioned in
schedule 1, column 3 under a provision of this Act mentioned in
column 2 in relation to the decision.
121
Reviewable decision notices
121 Reviewable decision notices
If the decision-maker makes a reviewable decision, the
decision-maker must give a reviewable decision notice to each person
mentioned in schedule 1, column 4 in relation to the decision.
Note The decision-maker must also take reasonable steps to give a reviewable
decision notice to any other person whose interests are affected by the
decision (see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, s 67A).
122
Applications for review
122 Applications for review
The following people may apply to the ACAT for a review of a
reviewable decision:
(a) a person mentioned in schedule 1, column 4 in relation to the
decision;
(b) any other person whose interests are affected by the decision.
123
Delegation
123 Delegation
The waste manager may delegate the waste manager’s functions
under this Act or another territory law to a public servant.
Note For the making of delegations and the exercise of delegated functions,
see the Legislation Act, pt 19.4.
124
Protection from liability
124 Protection from liability
(1) An official is not civilly liable for conduct engaged in honestly and
without recklessness—
(a) in the exercise of a function under this Act; or
(b) in the reasonable belief that the conduct was in the exercise of a
function under this Act.
(2) Any civil liability that would, apart from this section, attach to the
official attaches instead to the Territory.
conduct means an act or omission to do an act.
official means—
(a) the waste manager; or
(b) an authorised officer; or
(c) anyone else exercising a function under this Act.
Miscellaneous Part 18
125
Service of documents
125 Service of documents
A document may be given to the waste manager by giving it to the
director-general.
Note 1 For how documents may be served generally, see the Legislation Act,
pt 19.5.
Note 2 The director-general may delegate the function under this section to a
public sector officer, for example, a public servant (see Public Sector
Management Act 1994, s 20).
126
Determination of fees and rates of interest
126 Determination of fees and rates of interest
(1) The Minister may determine—
(a) fees for this Act; and
(b) the annual percentage rate at which interest payable under
section 58 (Recovery of extra costs) is to be calculated; and
(c) the annual percentage rate at which interest accruing under
section 59 (1) (a) (Money held by Territory as financial
assurance) is to be calculated.
(2) In particular, fees may be determined—
(a) so that the fee increases as the quantity of waste increases; and
(b) so that different fees apply depending on the waste facility to
which waste is being transferred; and
(c) according to the type of waste to which the waste activity relates.
Example—different fee depending on facility
A lower fee might be set for taking waste to a re-processing facility; a higher fee
might apply if the waste were being taken to landfill.
(3) A determination is a disallowable instrument.
fee includes—
(a) a fee that is a tax; and
(b) a charge or other amount (whether or not it is a tax).
128
Regulation-making power
128 Regulation-making power
(1) The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
(2) A regulation may—
(a) make provision in relation to the exclusion of a person or activity
from a provision of this Act; and
Note A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory
instruments made or in force under the Act, including any
regulation (see Legislation Act, s 104).
(b) create offences for contraventions of the regulations and fix
maximum penalties of not more than 40 penalty units for the
offences; and
(c) make provision in relation to the content of scheme
arrangements made under part 10A.
Reviewable decisions Schedule 1
Sch 1
Reviewable decisions
Schedule 1 Reviewable decisions
(see pt 17)
column 1
item
column 2
section
column 3
decision
column 4
person
column 5
decision-maker
1 20 (2) refuse to consider
application until additional
information provided
2 22 (1) decision about application
for licence
3 23 (b) impose condition on licence applicant for
4 32 (1) require applicant to provide
additional information
5 34 (3) decision about application
for registration
6 34A (b) impose condition on
7 46 (2) take regulatory action licensee waste manager
8 48 immediately suspend licence licensee waste manager
9 64V (3) (b) refuse to grant container
applicant waste manager
10 64V (6) (b)
(ii)
impose conditions on
container approval
supplier waste manager
11 64V (7) suspend or revoke container
supplier waste manager
12 67 refuse to give exemption applicant waste manager
13 70 (2) issue compliance direction person directed waste manager
14 71 (1) issue direction person directed waste manager
15 117 (1) reconsideration of original
decision
person applying for
reconsideration
director-general
(see s 3)
Note 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to
this Act.
Note 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
• ACAT
• ACT
• administrative unit
• appoint
• chief officer (fire and rescue)
• Criminal Code
• director-general (see s 163)
• disallowable instrument (see s 9)
• fail
• function
• give
• may (see s 146)
• Minister (see s 162)
• must (see s 146)
• notifiable instrument (see s 10)
• penalty unit (see s 133)
• person
• police officer
• under.
affected person, for an original decision, for part 16 (Reconsideration
of decisions)—see section 114.
approved container means a container, or a container within a class
of containers, that is the subject of a container approval.
authorised person means a person appointed under section 74.
beverage, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see section 64C.
collection point, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
section 64D.
collection point arrangement, for part 10A (Container deposit
scheme)—see section 64N (1).
collection point operator, for a collection point, for part 10A
(Container deposit scheme)—see section 64B.
connected, with an offence, for division 13.2 (Authorised people)—
see section 73.
container, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
section 64E.
container approval, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
corresponding law, of a State, means—
(a) for this Act—a law of the State about the registration or
licensing of people who carry out waste activities; and
(b) for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see section 64B.
Note State includes the Northern Territory (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
decision-maker, for a reviewable decision, for part 17 (Notification
and review of decisions)—see section 120.
enforceable undertaking, for part 14 (Enforceable undertakings)—
see section 95.
environmental protection agreement—see the Environment
Protection Act 1997, dictionary.
licence means a waste facility licence.
licensee, in relation to a licence, means the person that is the holder
of the licence.
material recovery facility operator, for part 10A (Container deposit
network arrangement, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
section 64J (1) (b).
network operator, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
network operator agreement, for part 10A (Container deposit
occupier, of premises, for division 13.2 (Authorised people)—see
section 73.
offence, for division 13.2 (Authorised people)—see section 73.
original decision, for part 16 (Reconsideration of decisions)—see
section 114.
person includes an unincorporated body.
premises, for division 13.2 (Authorised people)—see section 73.
proposed undertaking, for part 14 (Enforceable undertakings)—see
section 96 (3).
reconsideration application, for part 16 (Reconsideration of
decisions)—see section 115 (2).
refund amount, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
section 64F.
refund marking, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
section 64G.
registered, in relation to a waste transporter, means entered in the
register of waste transporters.
register of waste facility licences means the register kept under
section 25.
register of waste transporters means the register kept under
section 37.
registration number—see section 34 (4) (b) (ii).
regulatory action, against a person, for part 7 (Regulatory action)—
see section 43.
reviewable decision, for part 17 (Notification and review of
decisions)—see section 120.
scheme, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see section 64B.
scheme administration agreement, for part 10A (Container deposit
scheme)—see section 64H (1).
scheme arrangement, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
scheme coordinator, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
scheme coordinator agreement, for part 10A (Container deposit
scheme participant, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
show cause notice, for part 7 (Regulatory action)—see section 43.
store, for part 10 (Waste storage and collection)—see section 63.
supplier, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see section 64B.
supply, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see section 64B.
supply arrangement, for part 10A (Container deposit scheme)—see
section 64J (1) (a).
undertakings register, for part 14 (Enforceable undertakings)—see
section 95.
warrant, for division 13.2 (Authorised people)—see section 73.
waste—
(a) for this Act generally—see section 10; and
(b) for part 10 (Waste storage and collection)—see section 63.
waste activity—see section 11.
waste collection service, for part 10 (Waste storage and collection)—
see section 63.
waste facility—see section 14.
waste facility licence—see section 15.
waste management business—see section 12.
waste manager means the Waste Manager appointed under
section 16.
waste site, for division 15.2 (Specific offences)—see section 106.
waste transporter—see section 13.
About the endnotes 1
1 About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the
amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law
but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are
annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be
obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details
of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are
underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered
provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
2
Abbreviation key
2 Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument
AF = Approved form o = order
am = amended om = omitted/repealed
amdt = amendment ord = ordinance
AR = Assembly resolution orig = original
ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph
CN = Commencement notice pres = present
def = definition prev = previous
DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously
dict = dictionary pt = part
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule
Assembly reloc = relocated
div = division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No
Gaz = gazette RI = reissue
hdg = heading s = section/subsection
IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule
ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision
LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law
LR = legislation register sub = substituted
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced
mod = modified/modification or to be expired
3 Legislation history
3 Legislation history
Waste Management and Resource Recovery Act 2016 A2016-51
notified LR 24 August 2016
s 1, s 2 commenced 24 August 2016 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 1 July 2017 (s 2 (2))
Waste Management and Resource Recovery Amendment Act 2017
A2017-36 (as am by A2018-17 s 4)
notified LR 9 November 2017
s 1, s 2 commenced 9 November 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
s 3 commenced 22 December 2017 (LA s 75AA)
ss 4-9 commenced 22 December 2017 (s 2 (1) and CN2017-8)
s 13 commenced 20 February 2018 (s 2 (1) and CN2018-1)
s 10, so far as it inserts s 64X, commenced 30 June 2020 (s 2 (2) (a)
(as am by A2018-17 s 4))
remainder commenced 30 June 2018 (s 2 (as am by A2018-17 s 4)
and CN2018-7)
Waste Management and Resource Recovery Amendment Act 2018
notified LR 17 May 2018
s 1, s 2 commenced 17 May 2018 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 18 May 2018 (s 2)
Note This Act only amends the Waste Management and Resource
Recovery Amendment Act 2017
Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2018 A2018-33
sch 1 pt 1.39
notified LR 25 September 2018
s 1, s 2 commenced 25 September 2018 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.39 commenced 23 October 2018 (s 2 (4))
Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Act 2020
A2020-22 pt 10
notified LR 10 June 2020
s 1, s 2 commenced 10 June 2020 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 10 commenced 11 June 2020 (s 2)
Legislation history 3
Emergencies Amendment Act 2020 A2020-47 sch 1 pt 1.8
notified LR 3 September 2020
s 1, s 2 commenced 3 September 2020 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.8 commenced 4 September 2020 (s 2)
Statute Law Amendment Act 2021 A2021-12 sch 3 pt 3.63
notified LR 9 June 2021
s 1, s 2 commenced 9 June 2021 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.63 commenced 23 June 2021 (s 2 (1))
Statute Law Amendment Act 2022 A2022-14 sch 3 pt 3.42
notified LR 10 August 2022
s 1, s 2 commenced 10 August 2022 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.42 commenced 24 August 2022 (s 2)
Better Regulation Legislation Amendment Act 2025 A2025-13 pt 11
notified LR 26 May 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 26 May 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
pt 11 commenced 26 November 2025 (s 2 (2) and LA s 79))
Statute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 3 pt 3.102, sch 4
pt 4.190
notified LR 6 November 2025
s 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 3 pt 3.102, sch 4 pt 4.190 commenced 26 November 2025 (s 2 (3),
(9))
Commencement
s 2 om LA s 89 (4)
Relationship with Emergencies Act 2004
s 6 am A2020-47 amdts 1.19-1.21; pars renum R9 LA
Meaning of waste management business
s 12 am A2017-36 s 4
Meaning of waste facility
s 14 sub A2020-22 s 26
Appointment
s 16 am A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Application for licence
s 19 am A2021-12 amdt 3.179; A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Decision about application for licence
s 22 am A2017-36 s 5; A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Register of waste facility licences
s 25 am A2025-13 s 29
Term of licence
s 29 am A2017-36 s 6
Application to be registered
s 31 am A2021-12 amdt 3.179; A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Decision about application for registration
s 34 am A2017-36 s 7; A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Registration conditions
s 34A ins A2017-36 s 8
Register of waste transporters
s 37 am A2025-13 s 30
Approval of GPS tracking device
s 39 am A2025-29 amdt 4.193
om A2025-13 s 31
GPS to be fitted to vehicles
s 40 om A2025-13 s 31
Term of registration
s 42 am A2017-36 s 9
Code of practice—approval
s 60 am A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Container deposit scheme
pt 10A hdg ins A2017-36 s 10
General
div 10A.1 hdg ins A2017-36 s 10
Objects—pt 10A
s 64A ins A2017-36 s 10
Definitions—pt 10A
s 64B ins A2017-36 s 10
def beverage ins A2017-36 s 10
def collection point ins A2017-36 s 10
def collection point arrangement ins A2017-36 s 10
def collection point operator ins A2017-36 s 10
sub A2020-22 s 27
def container ins A2017-36 s 10
def container approval ins A2017-36 s 10
def corresponding law ins A2017-36 s 10
def material recovery facility operator ins A2017-36 s 10
def network arrangement ins A2017-36 s 10
def network operator ins A2017-36 s 10
def network operator agreement ins A2017-36 s 10
def refund amount ins A2017-36 s 10
def refund marking ins A2017-36 s 10
def scheme ins A2017-36 s 10
def scheme administration agreement ins A2017-36 s 10
def scheme arrangement ins A2017-36 s 10
def scheme coordinator ins A2017-36 s 10
def scheme coordinator agreement ins A2017-36 s 10
def scheme participant ins A2017-36 s 10
def supplier ins A2017-36 s 10
def supply ins A2017-36 s 10
def supply arrangement ins A2017-36 s 10
Meaning of beverage—pt 10A
s 64C ins A2017-36 s 10
Meaning of collection point—pt 10A
s 64D ins A2017-36 s 10
sub A2020-22 s 28
Meaning of container—pt 10A
s 64E ins A2017-36 s 10
Meaning of refund amount—pt 10A
s 64F ins A2017-36 s 10
Meaning of refund marking—pt 10A
s 64G ins A2017-36 s 10
Scheme administration
div 10A.2 hdg ins A2017-36 s 10
Scheme administration agreements
s 64H ins A2017-36 s 10
am A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Amending and ending scheme administration agreements
s 64I ins A2017-36 s 10
Scheme coordinator agreement
div 10A.3 hdg ins A2017-36 s 10
Content of scheme coordinator agreement
s 64J ins A2017-36 s 10
Approval of network arrangements
s 64K ins A2017-36 s 10
am A2021-12 amdt 3.179; A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Payment of refund amounts to material recovery facility operators
s 64L ins A2017-36 s 10
am A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Term of scheme coordinator agreement
s 64M ins A2017-36 s 10
Network operator agreements
div 10A.4 hdg ins A2017-36 s 10
Content of network operator agreements
s 64N ins A2017-36 s 10
am A2020-22 s 29
Approval of collection point arrangements
s 64O ins A2017-36 s 10
am A2021-12 amdt 3.179; A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Scheme compliance
div 10A.5 hdg ins A2017-36 s 10
Inconsistent provisions void
s 64P ins A2017-36 s 10
Penalties for contravention
s 64Q ins A2017-36 s 10
Monitoring and enforcement of compliance
s 64R ins A2017-36 s 10
Performance audit
s 64S ins A2017-36 s 10
Register of approved containers and collection points
s 64T ins A2017-36 s 10
Reports by scheme coordinator
s 64U ins A2017-36 s 10
Supply and collection of containers
div 10A.6 hdg ins A2017-36 s 10
Supply of approved containers
sdiv 10A.6.1 hdg ins A2017-36 s 10
Container approvals
s 64V ins A2017-36 s 10
am A2021-12 amdt 3.179
Requirement for supply arrangement with scheme coordinator and container
s 64W ins A2017-36 s 10
Requirement for refund markings on containers
s 64X ins A2017-36 s 10
Collection of containers
sdiv 10A.6.2 hdg ins A2017-36 s 10
Refund amounts payable by collection point operators
s 64Y ins A2017-36 s 10
Refund declarations and proof of identity
s 64Z ins A2017-36 s 10
Offence—claiming refund for containers not subject to scheme
s 64ZA ins A2017-36 s 10
Miscellaneous
div 10A.7 hdg ins A2017-36 s 10
Authorisations for Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cwlth)
s 64ZB ins A2017-36 s 10
Review of part
s 64ZC ins A2017-36 s 10
exp 30 June 2024 (s 64ZC (3))
Waste activity report
s 65 am A2021-12 amdt 3.179
Declaration exempting person or activity
s 67 am A2021-12 amdt 3.179; A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Direction to stop contravening Act etc
s 70 am A2017-36 s 11; A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Directions—stockpiling materials and delivering waste
s 71 am A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Power to enter premises
s 77 am A2022-14 amdt 3.217
Production of identity card
s 78 am A2022-14 amdt 3.218
Consent to entry
s 79 am A2022-14 amdt 3.218
Direction to give name and address
s 82 am A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Warrants—application other than in person
s 85 am A2018-33 amdt 1.75, amdt 1.76
Search warrants—announcement before entry
s 86 am A2022-14 amdt 3.219
Making of proposed undertakings
s 96 am A2021-12 amdt 3.179; A2025-13 s 32, s 33
Criminal liability of executive officers—pt 15
s 105 am A2025-29 amdt 3.361
Applications for reconsideration
s 115 am A2021-12 amdt 3.179
Reviewable decision notices
s 121 am A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Applications for review
s 122 am A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Service of documents
s 125 am A2022-14 amdt 3.220
Determination of fees and rates of interest
s 126 am A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Approved forms
s 127 om A2021-12 amdt 3.180
Regulation-making power
s 128 am A2017-36 s 12; A2025-29 amdt 4.193
Repeals and consequential amendment
pt 19 hdg om LA s 89 (3)
Legislation repealed
s 129 om LA s 89 (3)
Clinical Waste Act 1990
s 130 om LA s 89 (3)
Transitional
pt 30 hdg exp 1 July 2018 (s 151)
Transitional regulation
s 150 exp 1 July 2018 (s 151)
Expiry—pt 30
s 151 exp 1 July 2018 (s 151)
Reviewable decisions
sch 1 am A2017-36 s 13; items renum R3 LA; A2017-36 s 14; items
renum R4 LA; A2025-13 s 34; items renum R13 LA
dict def approved container ins A2017-36 s 15
def beverage ins A2017-36 s 15
def collection point ins A2017-36 s 15
def collection point arrangement ins A2017-36 s 15
def collection point operator ins A2017-36 s 15
def container ins A2017-36 s 15
def container approval ins A2017-36 s 15
def corresponding law sub A2017-36 s 16
def material recovery facility operator ins A2017-36 s 15
def network arrangement ins A2017-36 s 15
def network operator ins A2017-36 s 15
def network operator agreement ins A2017-36 s 15
def refund amount ins A2017-36 s 15
def refund marking ins A2017-36 s 15
def scheme ins A2017-36 s 15
def scheme administration agreement ins A2017-36 s 15
def scheme arrangement ins A2017-36 s 15
def scheme coordinator ins A2017-36 s 15
def scheme coordinator agreement ins A2017-36 s 15
def scheme participant ins A2017-36 s 15
def supplier ins A2017-36 s 15
def supply ins A2017-36 s 15
def supply arrangement ins A2017-36 s 15
5 Earlier republications
5 Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to
the publication order.
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in
electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised
republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are
marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an
authorised republication are identical.
No and date
Effective Last
amendment
made by
for
1 July 2017-
21 Dec 2017
not amended new Act
22 Dec 2017
22 Dec 2017–
19 Feb 2018
A2017-36 amendments by
20 Feb 2018
20 Feb 2018–
A2017-36 amendments by
30 June 2018–
A2018-17 amendments by
2 July 2018–
22 Oct 2018
A2018-17 expiry of
transitional
provisions (pt 30)
23 Oct 2018
23 Oct 2018–
A2018-33 amendments by
A2018-33
11 June 2020–
A2020-22 amendments by
A2020-22
30 June 2020–
3 Sept 2020
A2020-22 amendments by
4 Sept 2020
4 Sept 2020–
A2020-47 amendments by
A2020-47
23 June 2021–
23 Aug 2022
A2021-12 amendments by
A2021-12
Expired transitional or validating provisions 6
No and date
Effective Last
amendment
made by
for
24 Aug 2022
24 Aug 2022–
A2022-14 amendments by
A2022-14
1 July 2024–
25 Nov 2025
A2022-14 expiry of provision
(s 64ZC)
6 Expired transitional or validating provisions
This Act may be affected by transitional or validating provisions that have expired.
The expiry does not affect any continuing operation of the provisions (see
Legislation Act 2001, s 88 (1)).
Expired provisions are removed from the republished law when the expiry takes
effect and are listed in the amendment history using the abbreviation ‘exp’ followed
by the date of the expiry.
To find the expired provisions see the version of this Act before the expiry took
effect. The ACT legislation register has point-in-time versions of this Act.