Engineered stone ban
A national ban on the use of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs will come into effect on 1 July 2024 to protect Australian workers from the potentially fatal effects of respirable crystalline silica dust.
The decision was based on a recommendation by Safe Work Australia following expert advice about the rise of silicosis in engineered stone workers.
More information can be found on the SafeWork SA website.
Transitional arrangements for South Australia
Transitional arrangements exist in South Australia, so contracts associated with the installation of engineered stone entered into on or before 31 December 2023 can be fulfilled, providing they are completed by 31 December 2024.
Engineered stone can be safely used once installed, so long as it remains undisturbed and no work is carried out to remove, repair or modify it as this could generate silica dust.
There is no requirement to remove engineered stone that is already installed.
Waste levy waiver for South Australia
From 1 July 2024 until 30 June 2025, a waste levy waiver will apply to the disposal of engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels, and silica dust in South Australia.
The implementation of the waste levy waiver aims to encourage the safe disposal of this product by anyone.
The waiver also aims to reduce costs for South Australian businesses disposing of existing engineered stone following commencement of the ban.
FAQs about disposal of engineered stone in SA
Where can I dispose of engineered stone?
Contact your local waste service provider to discuss prices and arrange disposal.
Disposal should be undertaken at an EPA-licensed waste facility. The EPA can be contacted on 8204 2004 or email for any enquiries about licenced waste facilities.
Do I have to pay to dispose of engineered stone, and if so, how much?
Yes. From 1 July 2024 until 30 June 2025, a waste levy waiver will apply to the disposal of engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels, and silica dust at landfill disposal sites in South Australia. This will provide a discount of $161 a tonne in metropolitan Adelaide areas for anyone disposing of this product to landfill.
However, landfill operators as commercial facilities will still apply a gate fee for the disposal of this product. This fee will vary depending on the waste depot, location and the amount of product disposed of.
Contact your local waste service provider to discuss prices and to arrange disposal.
For further information on EPA licence matters, contact 8204 2004 or email.
Do I have to dispose of unused engineered stone benchtops, panels or slabs that I have at home?
There is no EPA requirement to dispose of engineered stone material that is being kept at home. There is only a respiratory health risk from cutting and generating dust from this material.
My business has engineered stone products that will not be contracted for use before 1 July 2024 – what do I do with them?
Unused engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs can be sent for disposal.
For disposal arrangements, contact your local waste services provider to discuss prices and arrange disposal.
Are there specific requirements for disposing of engineered stone?
The Work Health and Safety regulations do not contain any requirements for disposing of engineered stone.
Follow the current South Australian waste management requirements for disposing of engineered stone.
For disposal requirements, contact your local waste services provider.
Can my installed engineered stone products be modified after the 1 July ban?
Yes, products that are already installed can undergo minor modifications and repair, and be removed and disposed of. You must notify SafeWork SA before any permitted work with legacy engineered stone is carried out.
Repairs, modification or removal of engineered stone should be undertaken by a qualified tradesperson.
The tradesperson must use control measures to remove, or reduce, exposure to silica dust, including:
- wet cutting
- on-tool dust removal
- local exhaust ventilation
- breathing protection.
Disposal should be undertaken at an EPA-licensed waste facility. The EPA can be contacted on 8204 2004 or by email for any enquiries about licenced waste facilities.
Further information
