Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has fined Transpacific Cleanaway Pty Ltd (Cleanaway) more than $7000 for the collection, transport and deposit of grease trap waste at its Wodonga site.
EPA issued the penalty infringement notice after an investigation triggered by a report from the community.
EPA North East Manager Daniel Hunt said Cleanaway had received the waste at its site to conduct a composting trial. However, it had failed to comply with its EPA vehicle permit for the collection, transport and deposit of the waste to a licensed facility.
Mr Hunt said Cleanaway's actions were a clear breach of regulations.
“The trial was being undertaken with a view to developing new technology for a site Cleanaway is looking to set up in New South Wales; however the transport of prescribed industrial waste to this facility was in breach of the Environment Protection Act,” Mr Hunt said.
“All prescribed industrial waste in Victoria must be transported by an EPA permitted vehicle to ensure it is transported and disposed of in a safe manner.
“Cleanaway has been fined to ensure the integrity of the industrial waste regulations EPA administers.”
Mr Hunt said he encouraged members of the public to continue to report suspected pollution of the environment to EPA on 1300 372 842.