A Clayton businessman who illegally dumped an estimated 20,000 tonnes of industrial waste in a Braeside warehouse has been fined $35,000 in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court.

Alfroz Ali ran a waste and recycling company until 2017. When the business wound up, he and his associate, instead of disposing of the waste to an appropriately licensed facility, illegally dumped it in the warehouse.

Following an investigation, EPA Victoria issued a notice to clean up the waste, but Mr Ali, failed to comply with it.

“EPA has been very focused on the risk of fire from inappropriately and illegally stored waste materials. We have been clear with the waste and recycling industry that we will enforce the regulations and, where necessary, take matters to court,” EPA South Metropolitan Melbourne Region Manager Viranga Abeywickrema said.

“Our preference is compliance over prosecution but in this case, despite being given the opportunity to clean up waste dumped at a site that was not licensed to accept it, Mr Ali has chosen not to become compliant and has suffered a heavy fine.”

EPA welcomed the Magistrate’s comments which recognised and highlighted the potentially severe consequences of ignoring EPA’s lawful instructions and increasing the fire risk to the community. The Magistrate also allocated costs of $2,688 to EPA.

Further court action over this case is underway.

Find out more about how EPA Victoria is tackling illegal waste crime at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/our-programs-and-projects/illegal-waste-disposal-program