Environment Protection Authority South Australia

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.

You may have noticed some new labels on your takeaway food packaging beginning to appear last month…

From 1 March 2026, certified compostable food containers used for ready-to-eat food, and all hot and cold beverage cups and their lids must be clearly labelled as to their compostability.
This aims to increase the portion of organic waste that is correctly disposed of in the organic bin system, maximising food waste recovery and minimising environmental impact.

For more information on the updated requirements visit: https://www.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au/guideline-labelling-requirements

Easter is a great time to unwind, catch up with family and friends, and indulge in a few Easter treats. It's also an opportunity to celebrate more sustainably.

Here are some easy ways to make your Easter a little kinder to the environment:

1. Recycle your foil properly
Scrunch it into a ball about the size of your fist - small pieces get lost during processing, but a larger ball means it’s more likely to be recycled properly.

2. Ditch single use items
Hosting an Easter lunch? Use real plates, cutlery and napkins - it adds a touch of charm to your table and avoids unnecessary waste.

3. Head outdoors
Weather-permitting, make the most of the long weekend with a beach picnic, bushwalk or Easter egg hunt at your local park. Just be sure to clean up after yourself and leave the place better than you found it.

4. Food scraps
Once your post-Easter leftovers have passed their use by dates, be sure to place in your back yard compost, or green organics bin, never the general waste bins.

Small choices over the Easter break can make a big difference to South Australia’s environment.

Celebrations at Easter time often change how households' shop, cook and spend time together. Because of more group gatherings and shared meals, increased leftovers, and excess packaging it is good to keep in mind where your waste is ending up.

In South Australia, food makes up a significant portion of what goes into kerbside bins, especially during holiday periods when waste volumes increase.

Over Easter, paying attention to how food scraps and leftovers are managed helps keep kerbside systems working as intended:

• prepare only what will be eaten
• store leftovers correctly so they can be reused
• place food scraps and eggshells in the green organics bin or home compost
• avoid putting food waste into your general waste bin

Sorting waste correctly supports the safe collection, processing and recovery of materials across South Australia.

🌍 Join us in protecting the places we all depend on for Earth Hour 2026.

For 20 years, people around the world have united for Earth Hour; a moment to pause, reflect and act for a healthier planet.
At the EPA, we see every day how strong communities, healthy ecosystems and resilient environments go hand‑in‑hand. And you play a vital role in that.

How you can get involved this earth hour:
• Switch off for one hour from 8.30pm local time, 28 March
• Support local conservation
• Reduce waste, save energy or choose low‑impact travel
• Encourage your school, workplace or community to take part

Every action supports the global effort to protect wildlife, restore ecosystems and reduce climate impacts, helping create a future where people and nature thrive.

Find out more at earthhour.org.au

🌏🧡 Harmony Week is a celebration of the cohesive and inclusive spirit that makes Australia so special.

Across the country, schools, community groups and organisations are coming together to recognise and embrace the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our nation.

At the EPA, our team represents over 32 countries and speaks more than 24 languages, bringing a rich mix of knowledge and expertise to everything we do.

Let’s continue to foster respect, belonging and unity; because everyone belongs.

This week is Groundwater Awareness Week (8-14 March)

Groundwater, or bore water, is an important resource for many communities across South Australia. The EPA regulates site contamination to protect current and future generations from potential long‑term environmental and health impacts.

Part of this work involves testing groundwater to understand whether contamination is present and what actions may be needed to protect public health and the environment.

Groundwater testing can include:
• installing and sampling monitoring wells
• assessing soil and geology in detail
• testing samples for contaminants like volatile chemicals
• conducting field tests to support onsite decision‑making

Testing groundwater is just one part of a much larger process to investigate and manage site contamination in South Australia. Learn more about groundwater and site contamination on our website.

🔗 https://ow.ly/QXhJ50YpXqc