The EPA will prosecute offenders and hold them accountable
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in Victoria is cracking down on the illegal dumping of tyres on public streets, parks, and farmland, an issue that poses significant environmental and health risks. This problem arises when individuals attempt to avoid disposal costs, thereby shifting the financial burden onto the community.
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On 2 April, a team of Authorised Officers from EPA’s West Metro division conducted surprise inspections at vehicle wreckers, mechanics, and tyre retailers in the Sunshine, Braybrook and Hoppers Crossing area. These businesses often store waste tyres and employ contractors for their disposal.
Jeremy Settle, EPA West Metropolitan Regional Manager, explained, “For many, the deciding factor on who they use is the cost, but they also need to establish that when those tyres are taken, they’re going somewhere appropriate to receive them.”
Settle emphasized the importance of businesses using the EPA Waste Tracker system, which records the movement of waste tyres from generation, through transportation, to disposal. Failure to demonstrate the use of this system, either by the business or its contractor, is a non-compliance issue and could result in penalties.
During the inspections, 19 businesses were scrutinized and over 57 pieces of formal compliance advice were provided on a variety of topics. These included the use of Waste Tracker, managing runoff to stormwater drains, stock separation, fire risk planning, and other areas of concern.
Settle noted, “We also had to issue four notices to businesses that required more than just good advice on what was needed to become compliant.”
He warned that illegal tyre dumping is a crime, and the EPA will prosecute offenders and hold them accountable for the cleanup costs. He stressed that the Waste Tracker system is a crucial tool in managing this issue and must be used by businesses generating waste tyres.
The public is urged to report any instances of illegal tyre dumping by calling the EPA on 1300 372 842 or visiting www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution.
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