Registrations are for low-risk activities. They’re automatically granted on application and have standard conditions.

The most important function of registrations is to provide a way for the waste from small waste businesses to be legally received.

Registrations also apply to some new activities such as: 

• dry cleaning
• some waste transport and temporary asbestos storage
• waste acid sulfate soils identified for treatment or clearing-up.

Permits are for moderate-risk activities, or activities which are high-risk but are not as complex.

The new Regulations identify a range of activities that need a permit. This includes approvals for activities which were previously required under other instruments, including State Environment Protection Policies.

The permit tier also includes a small number of new activities such as medium-sized waste and resource recovery activities. 

Licences are reserved for the highest-risk activities which need customised EPA assessment and conditions.

Large waste and resource recovery facilities now need a licence. This is because of the significant risk combustible recyclable waste storage poses at large sites.