Waste tyre recycler ELT Recycling Australia Pty Ltd has paid nearly $2,000 in fines after it failed to properly manage waste metals created in the tyre shredding process.
During recycling, waste metals used to strengthen the tyre structure are separated as the tyre is chipped and shredded, but instead of it being collected for disposal, some of it was allowed to escape into a stormwater drain creating a potential pollution hazard for nearby waterways.
The Northbourne Rd, Campbellfield business was made aware of the issue by EPA officers and has since taken a number of steps to improve their management of the problem including adding placing mesh over drains to capture metal fragments and providing staff with more training.
"Ensuring the health of our waterways is a priority for EPA and ELT should have acted sooner to ensure the metal fragments were not entering the stormwater drain system. So, a fine of $1,9750 is appropriate," said EPA North Metro Regional Manager, Chloe Bernett.
