A series of snap inspections have occurred at vehicle wreckers, mechanics and tyre retailers in the western suburbs as part of a campaign to combat illegal tyre dumping in the region.
Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria officers conducted the snap inspections at businesses in Brooklyn, Altona North, Laverton North and Derrimut on Wednesday May 21.
From the nine inspections, advice was required on 14 identified issues and two notices were issued, including a prohibition notice to cease accepting waste until the business can demonstrate they are managing their fire risks appropriately.
“We have increasing community reports of illegal waste dumping including many involving waste tyres dumped on public streets, parks and farmland,” said acting EPA west metropolitan regional manager Julia Gaitan.
“They pose major environmental and human health risks as dumpers choose to shift the cost of disposal onto the community rather than pay it themselves. We inspected businesses that often store waste tyres then hire contractors to dispose of them and for many, the deciding factor on who they use is the cost. They have a legal requirement to establish that when those tyres are taken, they’re going somewhere that is appropriate to receive them,” he said.
Mr Gaitan warned businesses that they must use the EPA Waste Tracker system when disposing of tyres and that they could face penalties if they or their contractor fails to do so.
“Waste tyre dumping is a crime,” he said.
“We will prosecute where we can and force the dumper to pay for the cleanup. Otherwise it’s the community that ends up paying.
“Waste Tracker is an important tool in managing this problem, so businesses must use it if they generate waste tyres.”
To report illegal tyre dumping, call EPA on 1300 372 842 or at: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution.
