Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria has charged a Hampton Park garden supply centre with a $5769 fine following an illegal bonfire in August.
Lyndpark Garden Supplies in Hallam Road was discovered mixing green and industrial waste materials in their bonfire.
EPA south metropolitan regional manager Viranga Abeywickrema said “they should not have added industrial waste to the fire”.
“Waste like that needs to go to a properly licensed facility so that it does not cause harm to local air quality and the nearby community,” he said.
Just two months prior, the EPA warned about a worrying increase in the number of illegal burnoffs being reported.
The garden supply centre had previously only applied to the council for a green waste burnoff permit, which did not include industrial items.
“On inspection, they found a large soil stockpile or burnt green waste, chipboard, medium density fibreboard, plywood, sawn timber, cement sheeting, furniture and bricks,” Mr Abeywickrema said.
While the EPA recognises that some people might attempt to save money by burning mixed waste, it should always be taken to an appropriate facility.
“The fine Lyndpark Garden Supplies received will hopefully remind them that such behaviour is not going to be tolerated,” Mr Abeywickrema said.
