Waste derived fill

The EPA has developed a standard on the information and processes that are required by the EPA to support the beneficial reuse of a range of wastes specifically recovered for use as fill.

The standard aims to provide clarity to industry and the broader community on the issues that need to be addressed to demonstrate the suitability of the use of waste derived fill (WDF) taking a balanced risk-based approach, including the need for quality assurance measures, demonstration of beneficial properties and minimising the risk of harm.

Key components of the standard include:

• the need to demonstrate that the use of WDF is for a beneficial purpose rather than a means of convenient disposal and the associated avoidance of regulation and costs
• the need to ensure that harm to the environment or human health is prevented or the risks minimised to levels acceptable to the EPA (as well as to the satisfaction of other relevant planning and health authorities)
• a requirement for WDF to meet a defined specification that is suitable for the proposed use.

Further information

• Waste derived fill (water treatment solids – SPACE) specification
• Waste derived fill brochure
• Standard for the production and use of waste derived fill

Waste derived fill update – October 2013

In response to feedback from the waste and resources industry the EPA has amended the Standard for the Production and Use of Waste Derived Fill (WDF Standard) to remove all draft chemical classification criteria. The criteria for Waste Fill and Intermediate Waste in Appendix 2 of the WDF Standard are now consistent with the Current criteria for the classification of waste including Industrial and Commercial Waste (Listed) and Waste Soil.

These minor changes do not affect the requirements of the standard and should help to avoid any ongoing confusion within industry.