Packaging fine for high profile retailer

Failure to comply withnationwide efforts to cut the environmental impact of consumer packaging has cost furniture retailer Gainsvillea $9,880 fine from EPA Victoria.

The fine went to Gainsville Investments Pty Ltdof 272 Settlement Rd, Thomastown, for failing to provide information in response to an EPA Information Gathering Notice.

EPA Manager, Compliance ProgramsZac Dornom says EPA’sUsed Packaging Reporting Program works to make sure retail chains don’tlet their packaging become a throw away item.

“EPA receives annual statistics from many retail chains, reporting on the sources, recycling and reuse of paper, cardboard, plastic and polystyrene packaging materials that are part of their operations,” Mr Dornom said.

Retail chains like Gainsville are subject to Victorian regulations supporting a national campaign to make sure packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable, more is recycled or composted, and new packaging uses 50% recycled material.

“Gainsvillehas been late in reporting before and failed to report on the 2023/24 financial yearin time. EPA then issued the Information Gathering Notice and the company failed to reply to that in time, so EPA issued the fine,” Mr Dornom said.

“Other well-known retailers of consumer goods meet the same reporting requirements and are doing their bit to cut environmental impacts of consumer packaging and support Australia’s transition to a circular economy,” he said.

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