Environment Minister Susan Close announced Tony Circelli’s resignation this afternoon, saying he had accepted a new role heading up the recently-established Recycling Victoria regulatory agency.

She said the EPA’s science and systems director Keith Baldry would step in as acting chief executive while Public Sector Employment Commissioner Erma Ranieri searches for a permanent replacement.

Circelli has worked for the EPA since its establishment in 1995, during which time he has held a number of senior executive positions, including chief executive for the past eight years.

Close credited him for helping the regulator to become a “national leader” in recycling and sustainability.

She said Circelli had recently overseen the planning and consultation for an upcoming overhaul of the state’s container deposit scheme.

“Tony leaves the EPA in a strong position after years of distinguished service to the agency and to sustainability more broadly,” she said.

“Tony is a very capable and strategic leader and I have enjoyed working alongside him.

“I wish him all the best in his new role heading up Victoria’s new regulatory agency.”

Circelli said he would leave the EPA “enormously proud” of what it had achieved for the community and environment.

“Driving a more sustainable economy has long been a passion of mine and this new role is an exciting opportunity to drive new statutory, strategic planning and regulatory work in what will be a major transformation for Victoria,” he said.

The government says the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive will begin shortly.

Circelli is also the current presiding member of the SA Radiation Protection Committee and a member of the national Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council.