Business and community assistance

The Environmental Protection Amendment Act 2020 is the most significant reform of Western Australia’s environmental legislation in more than 30 years. It introduces a raft of amendments to Western Australia’s primary environmental legislation – the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act).

Appointment of authorised officers under the Environmental Protection Act 1986

The BurnWise program promotes the efficient operation of domestic wood heaters to minimise smoke emissions (or particle pollution).

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (the department) is responsible for ensuring the state’s water resources and environment are healthy, and able to support a strong economy and thriving communities.

Containers for Change allows consumers to take empty beverage containers covered by the scheme to a refund point to receive a refund of 10 cents. The scheme is set to expand in mid-2026 to include wine and spirit bottles, and many more.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will actively seek to identify breaches, rectify non-compliance and take appropriate enforcement action against those who breach legislation.

The Environmental Revegetation and Rehabilitation Fund (ERRF) was launched in July 2020 to help deliver the Offsets Funds for Recovery and Native Vegetation Rehabilitation Scheme programs.

The Government of Western Australia has committed to a whole-of-government 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 80 per cent below 2020 levels.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation investigates and prosecutes illegal dumping offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act).

Educating light industry operators about ways to reduce their environmental impact

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (the department) has updated its policy on managed aquifer recharge (MAR).

We are working on reforms to manage music noise in special entertainment precincts

Join the Plastic Free Places Program, switch to plastic-free alternatives and become a Plastics Free Champion.

The Pilbara Environmental Offsets Fund (PEOF) delivers environmental offset projects in the Pilbara bioregion of Western Australia in partnership with Traditional Owners, conservation agencies, industry and government.

New resources are now available to help Butchers, Seafood and Deli counter businesses find ban-compliant alternatives and bring reusable service ware to your customers and community.

Information for manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers on bans related to expanded plastic packaging, including key dates and compliance requirements.

Many WA mining villages are shifting to reusable crib kits in response to the state’s single-use plastics bans, functional reusable options now available and the cost savings over disposables.

Reviews of legislation administered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

How to apply for an exemption for a prescribed plastic item or prescribed plastic drinking straw and current class exemptions.

Stage one of Western Australia’s Plan for Plastics includes the phase-out of several single-use plastic items, including plastic straws.

Understanding WA single-use plastics bans on community organisations’ activities

These case studies were created by Boomerang Alliance's Plastic Free Places in partnership with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

Ban on lightweight plastic bags in Western Australia.

The State Government’s WA Tree Recovery Program was announced in August 2024. The program was established to support people and places who have lost trees as a result of Polyphagous shot-hole borer.

As a responsive and credible regulator, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation strives to consistently apply and enforce the laws we are responsible for administering.

Regulations to enact Stage 1 and 2 of WA’s Plan for Plastics are now active. The phase-out of Stage 2 items began on 27 February 2023, with staggered commencement of bans.