Illegal tip. No excuses. EPA fines waste transporters

EPA Victoria has hit two waste transport companies with more than $20,000 in fines as the crackdown on illegal waste dumping targets rogue transporters.

Skip bin operator Vic Metro Bin Hire Pty Ltd and earthmoving contractor AK Khouzam Pty Ltd were each fined $10,176 following separate incidents in which industrial waste was illegally dumped at a property in Bodycoats Road, Wollert.

Rogue transporters evading the cost of lawful waste disposal are contaminating land and waterways, creating fire hazards and leaving costly clean-up liabilities across Melbourne's fringe.

EPA has issued a clean-up order on the administrator of the Wollert site.

Victorian environmental laws require waste to be taken to facilities authorised by EPA to receive and manage it safely. Waste transporters have a responsibility to ensure the sites they use are lawful and authorised to accept the type of waste they carry.

EPA Executive Director Operations Rachel Gualano said rogue transporters often charge their customers for the full cost of legal disposal, then pocket the difference.

"They have been trashing our environment for profit, and we are putting a stop to it," Ms Gualano said.

“EPA has gathered intelligence on trucks dumping at multiple sites and more action will be forthcoming.

"We have these companies squarely in our sights."

Individuals and businesses involved in waste transport should expect increased scrutiny, while property owners are encouraged to secure vacant land and report suspicious activity.

By holding illegal waste site operators and transporters to account, and supporting lawful waste management operators, EPA is protecting Victorian communities and the environment from illegal dumping.