Pay up and clean up, says EPA

A 21-year-old Craigieburn man has been slapped with a $2,035 fine after angry residents found him unloading asbestos waste on the side of a road at Elphinstone.

The residents reported his number plate to EPA Victoria and EPA’s lab tests confirmed the material was asbestos cement sheeting, a hazardous material that was banned from the building industry more than 20 years ago.

The mess of broken material was dumped in bush beside Burgoynes Lane, not far from the Calder Freeway. The Mount Alexander Shire Council has fenced off the site to protect the public until the hazard has been removed.

EPA Northwest Regional Manager Paul Ratajczyk says there are strict regulations for the safe removal, transport and disposal of asbestos.

“Any material containing asbestos must be disposed of at a landfill that is licensed to accept it. You can’t treat it like ordinary garbage, and you certainly can’t drive into country Victoria and dump it,” Mr Ratajczyk said.

“Trying to avoid the cost of safe disposal can easily backfire and cost people a lot more than it’s worth. This offender must have it cleaned up or face another fine or prosecution and clean-up costs,” Mr Ratajczyk said.

“EPA won’t hesitate to penalise illegal dumping, and we appreciate the community’s help in reporting this incident and helping to protect our rural areas,” he said.

Members of the public can report dumping or 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(opens in a new window)

Illegal dumping of waste is a serious crime

The Victorian Government this year established a dedicated EPA‑led taskforce, working with DEECA and the Conservation Regulator, to target illegal dumping on public land.

The taskforce works closely with councils, brings together investigative expertise, focuses on high‑risk locations, engages with industries most at risk of offending, and strengthens enforcement to prevent illegal dumping and catch offenders.

For more information go to epa.vic.gov.au/illegal-waste-dumping-taskforce(opens in a new window)