Waste tyre storage facilities face tighter controls aimed at minimising the risk of hazardous fires from today, as new regulations developed by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) come into effect.
EPA Chief Executive Officer Nial Finegan said premises that stored more than 40 tonnes or 5,000 waste tyres were required to obtain a works approval and licence from EPA.
“The number of used or waste tyres generated in Victoria each year is growing- approximately six million waste passenger car tyres were unaccounted for in Victoria in 2012-13, believed to be stockpiled or illegally dumped,” Mr Finegan said.
“Tyre stockpiles are a growing hazard to the Victorian community and environment mainly due to the risk of fire.
“Once ignited, they are difficult to extinguish and can cause significant environmental, social and economic costs.
“The regulations place EPA in a strong position to take action by enforcing stringent rules on how they are stored.”
Mr Finegan said the new regulations built on the work carried out under the Interim Waste Management Policy introduced in April 2014.
“The results speak for themselves - 32 inspections of high risk sites across Victoria were undertaken by EPA officers between May last year to March this year,” he said.
“As a result, 11 notices were issued requiring businesses implement measures to reduce the environmental hazards posed by stockpiled waste tyres. Another four sites are under investigation.”
EPA developed the new regulations with support from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Victoria’s fire services, and with input from industry associations and tyre recycling businesses.
Rob Kelman Executive Officer, Australian Tyre Recyclers Association (ATRA), welcomed the new regulations.
“The Victorian Government is to be commended for tightening the rules around used tyre storage. For too long unsafe and unethical tyre recyclers have dangerously stockpiled millions of used tyres which are a major community and fire hazard,” he said.
“These rogue operators have also financially undermined the established recycling industry so these new regulations will help improve the natural and business environments and reduce risks for fire authorities and the community.”
A transitional period of six months (until 29 October 2015) applies for occupiers of existing premises to apply for an EPA licence.
To view the amended Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises and Exemptions) Regulations please visit: