A Campbellfield recycling company which continued to accept waste despite an Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) order not to do so, has been fined more than $8,000.
On May 8, EPA issued ELT Recycling Australia Pty Ltd (ELT) with a Minor Works Pollution Abatement Notice after they were found storing too many tyres at their Northbourne Rd premises without the correct approvals. The notice included a condition to immediately cease accepting waste tyres until they reduced the number of tyres on site.
But when EPA’s Resource Recovery Facilities Audit Taskforce conducted a follow up compliance inspection on June 6, officers observed a truck full of waste tyres enter the premises.
EPA Resource Recovery Facilities Audit Taskforce Manager Danny Childs said the company had shown a blatant disregard for the notice.
“It’s extremely disappointing that ELT chose to ignore EPA’s direction,” he said.
“This is not the first time ELT has received an infringement for similar offences, so they should be fully aware of compliance obligations.
“Notices are not just bureaucratic red tape, they are an important tool to protect public and environmental health from pollution risks.”
The Minor Works Pollution Abatement Notice on the company is still active.
Mr Childs said EPA would continue to regularly inspect sites occupied by ELT to ensure they were complying with their obligations under the Environment Protection Act.
“EPA has taken strong regulatory action to protect community safety and the environment,” he said.
“ELT knows what compliance looks like and has been given every opportunity to attain and maintain compliance. EPA and the community expects nothing less.”
The Resource Recovery Facilities Audit Taskforce was created in 2017 in response to the Coolaroo recycling plant fire. Since then, the Taskforce has conducted 594 inspections at 165 sites and issued 179 notices and 34 sanctions.
The Taskforce audits recycling facilities across the state to ensure that operators are complying with the Victorian Waste Management Policy, the requirements of which help to significantly reduces the risk of fire and impacts to the community and the environment.
Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Infringements Act 2008, ELT has the right to have the fine reviewed or have the matter determined by a court.