Community invited to have their say on new thresholds for PFAS in regulated waste

Issued: 30 Aug 2024

Queenslanders are invited to have their say on proposed changes to the state’s environmental regulations that will amend threshold levels for PFAS in regulated waste.

Currently, waste that contains any level of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, is considered regulated waste and must be transported by a licenced transporter and be safely handled, stored, and disposed of by a licenced facility.

Regulated waste is subject to more stringent management requirements than other waste to ensure the environment and public health are not compromised.

The proposed changes will allow waste with very low levels of PFAS to no longer be categorised as regulated waste, providing greater management options for low-risk material, and reducing waste management costs, without causing risks to the community or the environment.

The proposed limits are extremely low and have been developed using the best available scientific research.

In liquid waste, for example, the proposed threshold is the equivalent of one drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The proposed values are aligned with Queensland’s PFAS limits imposed for biosolids and compost that are designed to protect the environment and the community.

PFAS was first introduced into the regulated waste provisions of the Environmental Protection Regulation in 2019.

At the time, any waste containing PFAS levels was considered regulated waste. This was an interim measure until we could get a better understanding of the risks to the environment and human health.

There is now a greater understanding of PFAS and how it can be safely managed, and these changes are consistent with that understanding.

We will continue to protect Queenslanders and the environment by ensuring waste operators are licenced and complying with their environmental obligations.

Queensland has led the nation in responding to PFAS risks, being the first state in Australia to begin phasing out PFAS firefighting foams, the first to regulate PFAS in biosolids, and the first to place PFAS limits on compost to ensure that Queenslanders and the environment are protected.
Consultation on the proposed threshold limits is open to community and industry.

Consultation closes at 5pm, Friday 27 September 2024.

The In the Loop survey can be completed online.

Read more about PFAS and its management in Queensland.