Environment Protection Authority South Australia

Important updates to local nuisance and litter laws are now in effect.

From 18 June 2026, amendments to the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 have commenced, strengthening how nuisance and litter are managed across South Australia.

These changes provide councils with improved tools, alongside clearer responsibilities for businesses and more efficient processes for managing nuisance.

1️⃣ Stage 1: 18 June 2026. All provisions commence, except sections 7 and 14.

2️⃣ Stage 2: 17 June 2027. Sections 7 and 14 will commence. These provisions relate to:
• the installation and use of designated devices such as air conditioning units that may cause local nuisance
• shopping trolley identification and collection requirements.

Local councils remain the first point of contact for nuisance and litter issues. The EPA will support councils, businesses and the community through guidance and education.

👉 Learn more about the Act on the EPA website or contact your local council.

Think you know what goes in each bin?

Put your knowledge to the test with the City of West Torrens' new resource recovery games.
Designed to be fast-paced and interactive, the games are a fun way to build everyday recycling knowledge, learn what goes into each bin and why it matters.

The online games have been rolled out as part of City of West Torrens waste education sessions in partnership with KESAB environmental solutions

Head to https://www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au/Waste-and-recycling/Resource-recovery-games to have a go!

Recently our Emergency Response Team (ERT) visited the desalination plant at Lonsdale and the wastewater treatment plant at Christies Beach as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness across critical operational sites.

The visits focused on site layouts, operations and key risk areas, especially given their proximity to the ocean. By working closely with site teams, the ERT gained valuable insights into infrastructure and potential risks, helping ensure our emergency planning is informed, targeted and effective.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for businesses to have heightened awareness around persons offering to provide discounted waste tyre transport services.

These offers could come in the form of a cold call to a commercial business offering to provide waste tyre transport services for a reduced fee or being contacted to provide storage facilities. The EPA is concerned that the tyres are being disposed of illegally.

Further information on the correct way to undertake waste tyre transport and disposal can be obtained from the EPA website or by contacting the EPA directly.

🔗 Read the full news item https://ow.ly/h1Zm50Z94WU

Today, 5 June 2026, we recognise World Environment Day.

World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme, bringing together millions of people, from governments and businesses to communities and schools to raise awareness and drive environmental action across the globe.

This year's theme is climate action: the urgent signals the Earth is sending, and the signals we choose to send back.

Here in South Australia, those signals are already arriving. More very hot days, longer and hotter heatwaves, more frequent droughts, bushfires, and other extreme weather events. Recognising this, in 2022, SA became the first Australian state to declare a climate emergency, signalling the government's intention to take action.

The EPA's State of the Environment Report is clear: the health impacts of climate change will be felt across metropolitan, regional and remote communities. Without urgent action, the EPA warns the climate emergency and biodiversity losses will become crises for our environment and our communities.

Read the EPA's State of the Environment report to find out more.
🔗 https://soe.epa.sa.gov.au/environmental-themes/climate/key-messages

🌱 Current Vacancies at the EPA.
Want to make a real impact in protecting South Australia’s environment? 🌍 The Environment Protection Authority is growing our team and looking for passionate professionals to help shape the future of environmental protection.

🔹 Finance Officer (ASO4)
As the Finance Officer, you'll support financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis. You'll assist with journals, reconciliations, revenue and debt management, and work closely with staff and licence holders to deliver accurate, timely financial services.

You’ll bring experience in financial reporting and budgeting, strong communication and analytical skills, and a knowledge of accrual accounting.

🗓 Applications close: 16 June 2026
🔗 Apply now:
https://ow.ly/BtE350Z6WVQ

🔹 Project Officer (ASO4)
Play a key role supporting corporate planning, reporting, and priority projects.

You’ll coordinate inputs across the organisation, prepare high-quality reports, and provide project and secretariat support to ensure deliverables are met on time.

You’ll bring strong organisational and communication skills, experience in reporting, analysis, and project coordination and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines with attention to detail.

🗓 Applications close: 16 June 2026
🔗 Apply now:
https://ow.ly/SkCk50Z6WVT

Today, 27 May, marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week.

National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to consider the role each of us plays in the journey toward achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year's theme is All In, a call for all Australians to take action and commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

At the EPA, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, waters, plants, and animals of South Australia - known as Country - and recognise that Country is integral to the social, cultural, and spiritual lives and identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We understand that fostering equitable and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is essential. By aligning with and supporting their interests related to Country, we aim to create lasting improvements in health and wellbeing, as well as open doors to employment and economic opportunities. Through collaboration and reconciliation, we believe we can create a positive and sustainable future for all.

Alongside Aboriginal nations, we strive to protect and grow the health of our beautiful state.

The EPA’s Reconciliation Action Plan is available here: https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/about_us/corporate_reporting/our-reconciliation-action-plan-2025-2027

The Environment Protection Authority monitors air quality across the state using a network of monitoring stations. Air quality monitoring available on our website provides clear, reliable data, with easy-to-understand air quality categories.

The website has recently been updated to include wind speed and wind direction data, providing valuable additional information helping communities:

• understand current air conditions
• plan outdoor activities
• make informed health decisions based on location.

Our network of stations monitors key pollutants like particles (PM10 and PM2.5), and pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO).

You can explore up to date air quality data and more information about the pollutants and categories at https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/environmental_info/air_quality/new-air-quality-monitoring

Because air quality matters to everyone.

✨ May the 4th be with you ✨

Even the wisest Jedi knows a healthy planet is worth protecting.

In South Australia, the Environment Protection Authority helps safeguard our land, air, water and radiation; watching over the environment like The Jedi Order of protectors.

Using science, strong regulation and partnerships with the community, we work to stop pollution, protect the environment and maintain balance.

Because protecting the environment will always be the Light Side.

Earth Day 🌏 is a reminder that everyday decisions can help protect the environment.

As South Australia's independent environment protection regulator, the EPA works year‑round to reduce pollution, monitor environmental conditions, and protect the environment through regulation and compliance.

Alongside this work, practical and responsible actions by individuals, businesses and industry such as using resources efficiently, managing waste correctly, and meeting environmental requirements help support positive environmental outcomes over time.

Earth Day provides an opportunity to reflect on how informed, small‑scale actions, backed by strong regulation, contribute to long‑term environmental outcomes 🌱 across South Australia.