Development of draft end of waste codes

The Department of Environment and Science (DES), under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, may develop an end of waste (EOW) code.

Annual call for submissions

DES calls for submissions annually for the development of EOW codes. While submissions on all resource types are considered by DES, the decision on whether or not to develop an EOW code is at the discretion of DES.

Where DES considers that a waste has properties that make it comparable to a product and has negligible environmental risks, it may develop a draft EOW code for the waste. A technical advisory panel may be established by DES for the development of an EOW code.

Once a draft EOW code has been developed, it will undergo a public consultation process to allow all stakeholders the opportunity to provide comment on the proposed EOW code.

The most recent call for submissions opened on 18 November 2022 and closed on 31 January 2023. The next call for submissions will be made in the fourth quarter of 2023. Details on how to make a submission will be made available on this website when submissions are open.

Notice inviting comment on draft EOW codes

The department proposes to develop an EOW code to allow for the use of the following waste as a resource.

Read the Draft end of waste code – Biochar (PDF, 534KB).

This consultation period closes on 25 September 2023.

A person may make a submission to the chief executive about any draft EOW codes during the consultation period. All submissions received during the consultation period will be considered before deciding whether or not to make the EOW codes.

Where possible, when making a submission you should provide comments on the draft EOW code through your industry representative using the headings in the table below. This will help to ensure that comments received by the department can be duly considered in a timely manner.

Section/page reference Summary of issueComments
<submitter to provide> <submitter to provide> <submitter to provide>

Written submissions should be emailed to RRS.Consultation@des.qld.gov.au before 5pm on the day the consultation period closes.

Technical advisory panels

Technical advisory panels may be established by DES to prepare draft EOW codes, or to advise on draft EOW codes or amendments to EOW codes.

You may express your interest in being added to a list of experts who could be part of a technical advisory panel. Please be advised that DES is under no obligation to invite persons on the list to participate on a technical advisory panel.

Interested persons will need to:

  1. Nominate a waste material(s), waste type(s), or other specific area(s) of expertise in which you are qualified and experienced. Other specific areas of expertise may include, for example, chemicals, environmental assessment and expertise associated with the potential end use of a waste
  2. Be well established in the nominated area(s) of expertise evidenced through qualifications, experience, or professional recognition
  3. Be a member of a relevant professional organisation(s) where applicable
  4. Be willing to provide inputs intermittently over a given period (approximately 6 months) on a volunteer basis
  5. Provide a resume demonstrating the general requirements above and provide 2 professional referees
  6. Provide a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) demonstrating the skills relevant to the area(s) of expertise.

Send details, demonstrating the general requirements above, to RRS.Consultation@des.qld.gov.au with 'TAP EOI – waste type' as the subject heading.

This is an open invitation and expressions of interest (EOI) are welcome at any time. DES will review EOIs as they are received and advise you of the outcome. If you have any questions regarding the process to establish a technical advisory panel, or the role of the panel in development or amendment of an EOW code, email RSS.Consultation@des.qld.gov.au.

Schedule of proposed EOW codes

The following schedule provides details on the development of draft EOW codes.

Register your interest in being consulted when a draft EOW code is being prepared, by sending the following details to RRS.Consultation@des.qld.gov.au, with the subject heading 'EOI – consultation on draft codes':

  • your name
  • company name (if applicable)
  • email
  • postal address
  • telephone
  • the EOW code(s) that you wish to be consulted on.

Note: All the draft EOW codes listed in the schedule will be made publicly available on this website for consultation and registration is not essential to provide comment.

Waste Proposed use TAP identified as required Date for commencement of draft code development Proposed date for completion of draft code development
Glycerol Feedstock in manufacturing compost No Public consultation completed Public consultation completed
Biochar Fertiliser/soil conditioner No Open for public consultation Open for public consultation

Note: In the event of any changes to the proposed date for completion following unforeseen circumstances, an update will be provided on this website accordingly.

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