Media releases

Follow the burn off rules or cop the fine

27 May 2013

EPA Victoria reminds Victorians of strong restrictions and regulations around
burning off at home, farms and commercial premises.

EPA director Chris Webb said the regulator and local councils took the burning
of industrial waste very seriously, considering its impact on human health and
the environment.

“Burning of industrial waste is a contravention of the Environment Protection
Act (1970), which will attract regulatory action,” Mr Web said.

“Companies planning large scale burn offs are required to provide a plan to EPA
for approval and check local council restrictions – failure to do so could
attract fines. Industrial waste must be disposed of to landfill.

“Even householders need to be aware of the rules because they will attract
fines if they are found to be burning inappropriate incombustible items.

“Burn offs should only be conducted under appropriate weather conditions, fuel
must be in a burnable state, such as cured and not green, and the pile free of
incombustible material including earth, to prevent slow smouldering fires.”

Landowners could consider alternatives to burning off, including the options of
disposal or recycling at landfill and transfer stations.

Burn offs, more common in the colder months, were a common source of localised
air pollution – which could look like smog.

Fines started at $1400 for individuals and over $5800 for a company, and
penalties of up to $280,000 were possible if the matter went before the courts.

Page last updated on 27 May 2013