Apply for a disposal permit
You need a disposal permit to remove contaminated soil for treatment or disposal from land listed on the Environmental Management Register (EMR) or Contaminated Land Register (CLR).
On-site remediation of contaminated soil is considered best practice, removing contaminated soil for treatment or disposal off-site should only be carried out when that option is not practicable.
We issue disposal permits for the removal of contaminated soil to licensed waste disposal or treatment facilities that are able to receive the soil under the conditions of an environmental authority. Written acceptance from the owner of the land where the soil is to be received must be obtained.
Soil disposal permits are issued for a specified duration and volume of soil. The permit may include conditions relating to the soil removal, transport and treatment and/or disposal process. Soil disposal permits cannot be amended therefore if the soil volume changes post approval, a new soil disposal permit is required.
The department’s guideline Disposal permit to remove, treat and dispose of contaminated soil provides more detailed information about when a disposal permit is needed, and how to apply.
Apply for a permit
- Complete the Application form for a disposal permit for contaminated soil - ESR/2015/1832 (formerly EM1015) including all required supporting information and return to us.
Fees
There is no application fee for this permit.
Application processing time
We decide properly submitted applications within 10 business days.
Waste levy rates and exemption
A waste levy rate per tonne will apply to contaminated soil disposed of at a waste disposal site. However, when certain criteria can be met, contaminated soil may be eligible for an exemption from the waste levy.
You can apply for a soil disposal permit and waste levy exemption application at the same time. You do not need to wait for your soil disposal permit to be issued.
Specific information on waste levy exemption applications.
Further information on the waste levy framework.