- Published:
- Tuesday 18 November 2025 at 1:49 pm
High Tech Demolition Pty Ltd received two fines of $10,176 each and an official order to stop burying or burning waste after EPA officers found piles of waste still burning, during inspections in August and September 2025.
They had been alerted by firefighters when CFA Brigades responded to an emergency call and found charred demolition waste in trenches and old swimming pool pits.
EPA Southwest Regional Manager Martha-Rose Loughnane says illegal dumping and the burning of waste around new housing estates is a recurring problem.
“Our region is growing rapidly, but growth must not come at the expense of the environment. Burning waste is unacceptable; it poses serious health risks from smoke inhalation, contaminates land intended for future homes, and threatens groundwater quality,” Ms Loughnane said.
“These practices threaten our ability to grow healthy food in our gardens and create safe communities. Individuals and businesses that rely on this approach will be identified and held accountable. There is no circumstance where burning waste is an appropriate solution,” she said.
Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the company has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or 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
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