EPA Victoria has warned companies they risk significant financial penalties if they fail to demonstrate how they are reducing packaging waste, as the regulator steps up enforcement of reporting obligations.
Hundreds of businesses across Victoria are required to report on actions taken to support national efforts to ensure packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable. These obligations also include commitments to reducing and redesigning packaging, as well as improving disposal labelling to better inform consumers.
EPA Compliance Programs manager Alison McRae said the regulator had lost patience with large brands that repeatedly miss reporting deadlines or fail to submit reports altogether.
High-profile footwear retailer Wittner and Melbourne-based La Manna supermarkets have been issued official warnings for failing to report. EPA said the warnings will escalate to financial penalties if the companies do not take action.
The move follows enforcement action taken last year, when furniture retailer Gainsville was fined $9,880 for failing to respond to an Information Gathering Notice relating to packaging waste.
“Other brands meet these requirements and are doing their bit to support Australia’s bid to cut waste and transition to a sustainable circular economy,” McRae said. “There’s no reason for any company to fall behind, and if they do EPA will hold them to account.”
Businesses can meet their obligations by becoming signatories to the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), which provides support and accreditation, or by reporting directly to state-based regulators such as EPA Victoria.
“Our first preference is always that they join APCO,” McRae said. “But if brands fail to do so, EPA will ensure they meet their obligations to report on all types of packaging and commit to improvements that help build a stronger, cleaner and more self-reliant economy.
“Our communities expect brands to take greater responsibility for the packaging they leave with consumers,” McRae said.
Further information on companies’ obligations and EPA Victoria’s role is available via the regulator’s used packaging materials guidance.
