Energy from Waste Policy
The Queensland Government has an Energy from Waste Policy 1.1 MB) (the Policy) which provides guidance for establishing Energy from Waste facilities in Queensland. The policy is consistent with the Less Landfill, More Recycling 2035: Queensland Waste Strategy which recognises the role of energy from waste facilities in reducing waste to landfill.
Energy from Waste (EfW) refers to converting residual wastes into fuels, or energy in the form of electricity, heat, or cooling. EfW supports the transition towards a circular economy by enabling the value of residual waste, which has no practical reuse or recycling channel and would otherwise be disposed of, to be retained in the economy for longer.
This policy provides a framework to provide certainty to EfW proponents and help ensure that any EfW facilities developed in Queensland meet technical, environmental, regulatory and community expectations and are in the best interest of Queenslanders.
The Policy includes a strong focus on the Precautionary Principle and to highlight the importance of siting facilities in locations that reduce potential impacts and unintended consequences. EfW facilities cannot be located within or near sensitive land uses in the urban footprint such as (but not limited to) residential, aged care or childcare facilities.
Supporting guideline
The Policy is supported by the Energy from Waste Guideline 3.1 MB) (the Guideline), which provides further guidance on the scope, intention and application of the Policy. The Guideline provides case studies that showcase facilities achieving the Policy outcomes. The Guideline may be used by:
- proponents when planning and conduction EfW activities
- community members wishing to better understand the Policy and associated guidance provided to proponents, and how proponents are expected to address community and environmental concerns
- state departments and local governments as a general reference for assessment and management of EfW facilities.