EPA allows SKM to reopen Coolaroo waste facility

Victoria’s recycling crisis is set to ease after a major waste facility was given the green light to reopen after being shut down last month amid fears stockpiled rubbish could catch fire.

Victoria’s recycling crisis is set to ease after a major waste facility was given the green light to reopen.

The Environment Protection Authority granted permission for SKM’s Coolaroo site to resume accepting recyclable waste on Wednesday after it was shut down last month amid fears stockpiled rubbish could catch fire.

EPA CLEARS SKM TO REOPEN IN LAVERTON NORTH

CHARGES LAID OVER SKM RECYCLING FIRE

With SKM out of action, about 20 councils had been forced to send thousands of tonnes of kerbside recycling into landfill.

A recycling protest at state parliament this week. Picture: James Ross (AAP)

SKM’s Laverton had also been barred from taking waste but reopened earlier this month.

EPA chief executive Dr Cathy Wilkinson said the authority was “satisfied SKM meets requirements and is again compliant”.

“However, EPA will continue to inspect the Laverton North and Coolaroo sites to ensure they remain compliant,” she said.

The EPA also recently moved to charge SKM and its director over a massive fire at the Coolaroo plant in 2017 which burned for more than a week.

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