An allegedly illegal skip bin business operating in the north-east of Tasmania without the proper approvals has been shut down by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
Gerke Waste Management, based in Scottsdale, is accused of illegally dumping waste at a property in the town for years, without the necessary permits from both the council and the EPA.
EPA Director and Chief Executive Wes Ford said an Environment Protection Notice (EPN) was issued on Tuesday.
This means Gerke Waste Management must immediately cease waste disposal at the property and cannot touch any waste already deposited there.
“In addition to stopping an unauthorised activity, the EPN will also provide for the EPA to undertake a detailed investigation into what has been deposited at the site,” Ford said.
“The unlawful disposal of waste material has the potential to cause significant environmental and public health impacts.”
If illegal dumping is confirmed, the offenders could be issued with a Litter Abatement Notice, requiring them to clean up the mess at their own expense.
“Skip bin users can reasonably expect their waste to be lawfully disposed of,” Ford said.
“The EPA encourages businesses that use these services to ensure the waste contractors they deal with hold the relevant approvals and take their waste to authorised facilities.”
