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A Lockwood man who illegally dumped hundreds of tyres, and the business owner who asked him to dispose of the rubbish, have both been fined by the Environmental Protection Authority.
The men received $1820 penalties for not disposing of the unwanted goods correctly, instead leaving the waste on land between York Street and McCormacks Road in Eaglehawk.
EPA northwest regional manager Scott Pigdon said officers from his agency found about 200 tyres at the site, along with couches, used syringes and steel drums.
Inspection of the trash led investigators to a scrap metal recycling yard in Bendigo, with the business’ operator identifying a man paid $700 to remove tyres from the property.
The dumper admitted to the offence when interviewed by the EPA.
Mr Pigdon said both individuals were fined for dumping or permitting waste be dumped at a site not licensed to accept it.
“This is abhorrent behaviour by someone who admitted to committing an illegal offence just so he could make quick money,” he said.
“It also serves as a stern reminder that waste producers also have an obligation to dispose of waste correctly, and this case shows the cheaper option is not always the smarter option.
Mr Pigdon said tyre stockpiles could cause toxic emissions if they caught on fire and anyone wanting to dispose of them should contact their local council or regional waste management group.
Mr Pigdon encouraged the community to continue reporting illegal dumping by phoning the EPA’s pollution hotline on 1300 372 842, or visiting www.epa.vic.gov.au.
