Quarantine and biosecurity waste management

Compliant and secure quarantine and biosecurity waste management services by Cleanaway, meeting all regulatory requirements for international and domestic needs.
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About

About quarantine and
biosecurity waste disposal

Quarantine waste poses serious biosecurity risks, including diseases, parasites and invasive species. As an approved Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) provider, Cleanaway offers secure collection, transport and disposal of quarantine-controlled material in line with strict biosecurity regulations.

We partner with government and businesses to manage domestic and international quarantine waste with full compliance and traceability. Our services include flexible pick-up (including urgent response), regulatory compliance, and trained staff for high-risk sites.

With experience across ports, airports, inspection facilities, logistics hubs and laboratories, Cleanaway delivers tailored solutions for AQIS, import/export and biosecurity waste, helping you stay safe, compliant and protected.

Quarantine-declared organic waste

Includes imported food, plants, soil, and other organic materials intercepted at borders or ports that pose a biosecurity risk.

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Quarantine-declared non-organic waste

Covers packaging materials, pallets, containers, and other non-organic items contaminated with quarantine risk materials.

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Service

What is quarantine waste?

Quarantine waste (also known as Q waste) refers to materials that pose a biosecurity risk to Australia’s environment, economy, agriculture or public health. These items are regulated under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and must be handled by DAFF-approved waste operators like Cleanaway. We support a wide range of customers that generate quarantine-controlled waste: 

Airports and airlines (including in-flight and terminal waste)

Ports, shipping lines and customs operators

Quarantine and inspection facilities

Freight forwarders, importers and bonded warehouses

Biosecurity laboratories and research facilities

Food manufacturers and importers

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Process

How we collect and dispose of biosecurity waste

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Collection
We collect your waste in approved containers that meet quarantine transport and storage standards, with flexible pick-up options tailored to your needs.
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Transport
Once collected, quarantine waste is transported in licensed vehicles fitted with containment measures to ensure security.
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Treatment and disposal
We securely dispose of quarantine waste at approved treatment facilities through incineration, deep burial or autoclaving, depending on the type of material.
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Reporting
We provide documented tracking and reporting throughout the process to maintain DAFF-compliance.
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Details

Container options for quarantine waste

We supply DAFF-compliant containers to securely collect quarantine and biosecurity waste. All bins are available for temporary or permanent hire.

Wheelie bins

(120L and 240L) with lockable lids and red/yellow coding

Bulk bins and skips

(1m³ – 15m³) that are leak-proof and quarantine marked

Pallet bins and crates

available in custom sizes for dunnage, packaging and residue

Clinical-grade bags

for soft waste in lab settings

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Output

What happens to quarantine waste

To eliminate threats to biosecurity, all potentially harmful organisms in quarantine waste must be destroyed using incineration, deep burial or autoclaving. As a DAFF-approved waste provider, Cleanaway treats and disposes of all AQIS and other quarantined-controlled waste in compliance with these standards.

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Our promise

Why choose Cleanaway

  • Optimised waste management solutions

    Our team of resource recovery professionals work closely with you to find the best waste management solution for your business, helping you achieve cost savings while meeting your sustainability goals.

  • Streamlined services

    We offer a total waste management solution, providing you with one account manager, one invoice and consistent, reliable services.

  • Nationwide service you can count on

    With a vast national network of specialised facilities and one of the largest waste collection fleets on Australian roads, we deliver efficient and reliable service no matter where your business operates.

  • Market-leading infrastructure

    Our EPA-licensed, state-of-the-art facilities enable safe, efficient waste processing and resource recovery at scale.