An industrial fire in Sunshine West has cost a recycling company a $10,000 fine, after the company failed to report the blaze to Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA).
The fire broke out in recyclables at Hart Recycling on Boundary Road during the evening of Wednesday 19 November, 2025 and burned out of control for 90 minutes.
At its peak, the blaze spread over an area of 80 square metres and flames were reaching more than five metres into the air.
EPA was alerted to the incident through the state’s emergency response system.
EPA western metropolitan acting regional manager Carly McGregor said the smoke and water runoff from burning recyclables definitely qualify as potentially harmful pollution.
“The company had several opportunities to report the fire while it was burning, or before the arrival of EPA officers the next morning,” Ms McGregor said.
The $10,176 fine is the maximum that EPA can impose without taking a case to court but the operator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.
Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution
