Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA ) has fined Landfill Operations Pty Ltd, Cleanaway’s Ravenhall landfill, for twice accepting hand sanitiser which is a Reportable Priority Waste (PRW) and a Dangerous Good, without proper checks.

Two truck loads of hand sanitiser went into landfill in late April this year despite the site not being licensed to accept it, Necessary checks of the waste in accordance with the Environment Protection Act 2017 were also not done and correct records were not kept.

“The requirements of the Environment Protection laws and the Landfill Operations licence are clear about what waste can be accepted. Conducting checks on incoming waste, working to licence conditions and keeping correct records are all part of ensuring the future safety of the environment,” explained EPA West Metro Regional Manager Steve Lansdell.

“EPA has fined the company $18,492 for its records management failure. It’s a reminder to all businesses to track and record wastes in line with EPA publication 1827.2 Waste classification assessment protocol.”

Mr Lansdell said it was everyone’s duty to act to prevent harm to the environment and further investigations are underway into possible breaches from accepting RPW when the Landfill Operations site is not licensed to accept it.

The company has 28 days to request an internal review of the infringement notice and fine.