By Tate Papworth
Brimbank council says it’s disappointed recycling material had to be sent to landfill last week – but that its hands were tied.
The council is one of 20 across Melbourne left scrambling after the Environment Protection Authority ordered recycling company SKM Services to stop accepting recyclable material at its Coolaroo and Laverton North sites because stockpiled waste posed a “significant” fire risk.
Brimbank infrastructure and city services director Neil Whiteside said the situation was far from ideal.
“Council is disappointed it has had to send recycling to landfill this week due to a temporary processing stop at SKM Services,” he said. “No one wants recyclable material to go to landfill, but our priority must be to protect the health and safety of the community.
“There is currently no other viable recycling processing option available during this short-term disruption.”
SKM will be unable to accept waste until the EPA confirms the sites are compliant with waste management policy.
Despite the disruptions, Brimbank curbside collections continued as normal last week.
Mr Whiteside told Star Weekly last week the situation would be resolved “within a matter of days” – but more than a week later, SKM was still unable to reopen its sites.
He said the council would support SKM to help it meet the EPA-imposed requirements.
“Brimbank, with other SKM-contracted councils, are exploring every opportunity to support SKM to meet the requirements of the EPA-issued minor works notice,” he said.
“Brimbank, with other SKM-contracted councils, are also working with the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group to look at what measures can be put in place to ensure this situation does not happen again.”
The council is contracted with SKM until 2026.
