An Axedale man has been told “Not in Your Back Yard” after being reported to EPA Victoria for burning industrial waste on his property in a residential street.

He was instructed to clean up his yard and fined $1,849 for unlawfully depositing more than 1,000 litres of waste by burning.

An inspection on 28 October 2022 found a pile of ash approximately 15 metres long and 5 metres wide.  The pile contained remnants of various metals, fence posts, and building hardware including screws, bolts, springs, glass, plastics and timber.

EPA North-West Regional Manager Dr Scott Pigdon says the industrial waste had been set alight in an area surrounded by people’s homes.

“This was both illegal and hazardous to human health and the environment.  Several of the things found in the ash pile would have produced toxic smoke as they burned, and the ash and remnants were pollutants that could contaminate the soil,” Dr Pigdon said.

“Taking waste like this to a properly licensed landfill or recycling facility is the only way to do the right thing by the environment and your community.”

EPA has told the Axedale man he must immediately stop depositing and burning waste at the premises, and he must remove the burnt waste and take it to a facility that is licensed to accept it.

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the man 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