EPA targets skip bin operators in statewide compliance blitz

EPA Victoria has begun a snap inspection blitz on skip bin operators as it continues to crack down on illegal waste dumping and ensure a level playing field for operators doing the right thing.

With 50 skip bin companies in their sights, EPA officers are scrutinising waste handling and record keeping practices at each premises and looking for evidence of unlawful management, storage or disposal as part of the Victorian government’s multi-agency Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce crackdown.

Rogue operators in the skip bin industry have been identified as major contributors to illegal dumping, particularly of construction and demolition waste – contaminating public and private land, creating fire hazards, leaving costly clean-up bills.

Victoria's environmental laws impose strict rules on waste producers, transporters, and receivers. All waste must be taken to a facility that is EPA-authorised to receive and manage it safely. Waste transporters are obliged to ensure the sites they use are permitted to take the type of waste they carry.

EPA Executive Director of Operations Rachel Gualano said lawfully operating skip bin companies play a vital role in the waste industry, and warned EPA would not hesitate to take action against those who fail to comply with their obligations.

"Skip bins are a common collection point for many types of waste, and operators have a legal duty to know what's in the bins they're transporting, and to make sure that waste ends up in an authorised facility," Ms Gualano said.

“We routinely trace waste back through the supply chain using documentation, serial numbers and other forensic methods.

“But we don’t just investigate. We act - to fine or prosecute skip bin companies, the individuals or businesses who engage their services, and those who receive the waste unlawfully,” she said.

In a compliance blitz across Victoria’s Southwest earlier this year, more than half the sites inspected did not have the required EPA permissions to operate.

"Rogue operators tempted to undercut legitimate operators and rip off their customers and the Victorian public by illegally dumping waste can expect a knock on their door and the full weight of EPA's regulatory powers,” Ms Gualano said.

The Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce is a partnership between Victoria’s environmental agencies, led by EPA Victoria with the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria and DEECA.

For more information about the responsibilities of waste carriers, visit our dedicated Waste Transport web page.(opens in a new window)

If you see illegal dumping or know anything about it, report it to the EPA on 1300 372 842 or go to our online pollution reporting portal(opens in a new window).