Metal recovery
General information
Commercially operating a scrap metal yard or dismantling automotive or mechanical equipment, including debonding brake or clutch components is defined as ERA 27 under Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 1998.
These activities are level 1 ERAs and need a development permit and a registration certificate.
Guidelines and policies
The department recommends you read the Brisbane City Council's Operator's Environmental Guide - Pollution Solutions for Metal Recovery and Auto Dismantlers (PDF)*, which has been developed to help operators to comply with best practice environmental management.
Where an activity is devolved to local government, you should contact the relevant Council to discuss your proposal before you lodge your application.
Where an activity is not devolved you should refer to the following documents when preparing your application:
Information sheet: Information for applicants for an environmentally relevant activity (ERA)
Pre-design conference service
For an activity devolved to local government, you should contact the relevant Council to discuss the proposal before you lodge your application.
For ERAs administered by the department a 'pre-design conference' service is offered for projects which may include issues requiring a high level of assessment. This service includes meeting with a departmental project manager to discuss all the information requirements to be provided with your application.
For more details, read the Pre-design conference fact sheet.
This service can be initiated by contacting the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 or by email at eco.access@epa.qld.gov.au or completing a Pre-design conference application form. If a pre-design conference is required to discuss your application in more detail, a departmental officer will contact you directly.
Permits and approvals
The development permit will contain conditions to ensure that industry is conducted in a way that minimises impacts on the environment.
The relevant local government must also be contacted regarding any requirements in addition to the ERA matters for the development permit.
Forms and fees
Please download an application form or contact the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 for assistance. Details about fees and charges will be included with your application kit. You can also view a complete list of the fees and charges administered by the EPA and QPWS online.
* Requires Acrobat Reader
Last updated: 01 July 2008