Tasmania disrupts illegal Tyre collection scheme, seizes thousands

The investigation, initiated last year following reports of an unlicensed company misrepresenting itself as a legitimate waste transporter approved by the EPA and Tyre Stewardship Australia, revealed at least 30 instances of illegal collection impacting approximately 20 Tasmanian businesses.

The fraudulent operators reportedly generated around $50,000 in just 10 days.

Authorities discovered a widespread network operating across multiple Australian states, utilizing rented vehicles, short-term shipping container rentals, and fabricated credentials to collect the waste.

In June, six shipping containers containing waste tires were found – four in Bridgewater and two in Launceston – holding an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 tires.

The EPA has taken enforcement action against one operator and issued warning notices to retailers suspected of overlooking warning signs.

The investigation documented potential breaches of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste Management) Regulations 2020, as well as possible fraud offenses.

EPA chief executive and director Catherine Murdoch stated that the findings will aid other regions in addressing similar illegal activities. “The EPA undertook its largest proactive industry-targeting exercise in response to organised environmental crime to date.” She added, “Waste crime can have significant financial and environmental consequences for local businesses and the wider community. This investigation shows how important it is to identify suspicious activity early and take action before it becomes more established.”