Vehicle wreckers, mechanics and tyre retailers across the western suburbs faced snap inspections by Environment Protection Authority (EPA) officers recently.
The EPA conducted a series of snap inspections in Derrimut, Brooklyn, Altona North and Laverton North on Wednesday, May 21 as part of its campaign against waste tyre dumping.
The EPA said that nine inspections were conducted with advice required on 14 identified issues and two notices issued, including a prohibition notice to cease accepting waste until the business can demonstrate it is managing its fire risks appropriately.
“We have increasing community reports of illegal waste dumping including many involving waste tyres dumped on public streets, parks and farmland,” EPA acting west metropolitan regional manager Julia Gaitan said.
“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.
“Businesses need to be using the EPA Waste Tracker system that records movement of waste tyres as they’re generated, transported and disposed of. If Waste Tracker has not been used either by themselves or their contractor, they are non-compliant and face potential penalties.
“Our formal compliance advice covers a range of topics including how and why to use Waste Tracker, managing their sites for runoff to stormwater drains, tyre stock separation, fire risk planning and other areas that needed addressing.
“Waste tyre dumping is a crime. We will prosecute where we can and force the dumper to pay for the clean up. 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.”
Anyone who sees illegal dumping of tyres is urged to call the EPA on 1300 372 842 or report it via www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution
