Fire safety failures prompt $80K enforceable undertaking spend

After failing to manage fire risks and breaching EPA Victoria permission conditions at three factories, an enforceable undertaking will see a recycling company pay $80,000 into EPA Victoria’s restorative justice fund.

The company will also significantly improve training for its staff in fire prevention and environmental compliance and run community and industry forums on the risks of putting batteries and other hazardous materials into mixed recycling.

The company’s poor practices contributed to a fire in 2024, EPA Victoria Southern Metropolitan Regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said, but acknowledged it had upgraded facilities and procedures since then.

“The fact remains that conditions at the factory meant such an incident was all too likely,” Abeywickrema said. “This incident should put everyone in the waste industry on notice that breaches of their permit conditions will have serious consequences.”

Regarding the payment into the restorative justice fund, Abeywickrema said: “The community benefits from the restorative justice payment and education forum, while the undertaking drives change and ensures the company meets its obligations to prevent future breaches of the law.”

Image: Recycling stockpile inspection. Source: EPA Victoria