The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is working with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to develop a nationally-consistent integrated waste tracking system.
It is expected the system will fully digitise the waste tracking process.
Executive Director of Industry and Development at DES, Brad Wirth said currently operators submitted waste tracking information to the Department using an online form, a bulk upload service or through the submission of paper-based waste tracking certificates.
“A large number of operators still prefer to use paper waste certificates that then need to be digitised and uploaded into the Department’s waste tracking database which can be time-consuming and inefficient,” Mr Wirth said.
“Between 2016 and 2021, the Department received more than 2.6 million waste tracking movement records.”
He said the DES was working with the NSW EPA to develop the integrated tracking and reporting system that would greatly improve both jurisdictions’ ability to accurately track the movement of hazardous waste.
“The NSW EPA has engaged a qualified contractor to design the new system that will work both individually for NSW and Queensland, as well as seamlessly between the two States,” Mr Wirth said.
“The system is being designed so it can be adopted by other jurisdictions or integrated with their existing tracking systems. The project team is already engaging with Victoria to ensure the new system will connect with Victoria’s existing waste tracking system.”
He said the DES was committed to working with waste operators and the waste transporters to implement an efficient system that also benefitted the industry.
“A high-quality tracking system will make it easier for operators to comply with the relevant waste-related legislation and will reduce compliance costs,” Mr Wirth said.
“Industry is heavily involved in the design of the waste tracking system, with targeted stakeholder engagement with key waste industry representatives in NSW and Queensland already under way.”
The new system is expected to be completed by August.
