EPA Victoria, the state’s environmental regulator, reported an increase in abandoned waste tyres in the area, leading to a financial burden on Greater Shepparton City Council and its ratepayers.
“The estimated cost to council is $6.85 a tyre,” EPA northeast manager Megan Fulcher said.
“Council tells us that in just one week, an estimated six large truckloads of tyres have been dumped on hidden rural roads in the area.
“Over three weeks, that’s about 3000 tyres and $6850 a week of ratepayers funds going to clean up.”
The problem, according to Ms Fulcher, stems partly from businesses turning a “blind eye to rogue operators”.
She claimed that these businesses offer waste disposal services at below-market rates, only to illegally dump the tyres in secluded locations instead.
“EPA has cleaned up several tyre stockpiles over the years, but it’s at a cost to the community when it should be the responsibility of the person or business that produced or transported the tyres in the first place,” Ms Fulcher said.
The financial impact is significant, and the environmental impact is even greater.
Improperly disposed of tyres have the potential for tyre fires, which are notoriously difficult to extinguish and pose serious health hazards due to the toxic smoke they produce.
Abandoned tyres can also become breeding grounds for weeds and pests, further damaging the local ecosystem.
To combat the issue, the EPA is leveraging its Waste Tracker system, designed to monitor the transport and disposal of ‘Reportable Priority Waste’, such as tyres.
“EPA Waste Tracker tracks waste through every step of its journey, from the place that created it to the transport business, through to the end user or disposal point,” Ms Fulcher said.
“If there’s a gap in the Waste Tracker trail, EPA can see it and use that information to pinpoint where along that journey the trail breaks.”
The EPA is committed to ensuring that businesses and individuals comply with the Waste Tracker system.
They have announced an inspection campaign and stated that regulatory action will be taken against anyone in violation.
Ms Fulcher also cautioned those trying to save money on waste disposal costs that they could be held liable for illegal dumping.
Given the issue affects more than just the violators, EPA has issued an urgent plea to community members.
“We need help from the community to report to EPA if they see someone dumping tyres and where the tyres are dumped,” Ms Fulcher said.
“Report to EPA if you see someone dumping tyres and where the tyres are dumped.”
The EPA urges anyone with information about illegal tyre dumping to come forward.
They can do so by calling 1300 372 842 or visiting www.epa.vic.gov.au
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