EPA allows waste firm SKM Services to reopen Laverton North plant

A recycling crisis, that led to several Victorian councils diverting waste materials to landfill, has eased after a waste firm was given the green light to reopen one of its plants. But the crisis is far from over with Victorian Councils still looking for a long-term alternative after China banned imports of recyclable materials.

Victoria’s recycling crisis has eased with a waste firm given the green light to reopen one of its plants.

SKM Services can resume recycling at its Laverton North site after approval from Environment Protection Authority officers on Tuesday.

But the company’s Coolaroo plant remains non-compliant and will not be able to recycle waste until it meets EPA standards.

END IN SIGHT FOR RECYCLING BEING DUMPED IN LANDFILL

CHARGES OVER RECYCLING PLANT FIRE

COUNCIL FINDS RECYCLING ALTERNATIVE

SKM is allowed to reopen its recycling plant in Laverton North.

The imminent reopening of the Laverton North site was foreshadowed by the Herald Sun yesterday.

Last month, the EPA ordered SKM to stop receiving waste at Laverton North and Coolaroo for fear that stockpiled material would catch fire.

It led to about 20 councils, which use the firm, having to divert thousands of tonnes of kerbside recycling into landfill.

EPA CEO Dr Cathy Wilkinson said on Tuesday that in the event of a fire at either site, large amounts of plastic materials could generate significant community impacts from smoke, and that the recycling industry had had ample time to become compliant with state waste management policy.

“SKM requested the inspection following improvements at their Laverton North site’s outdoor storage which has seen a reduction in stockpiled waste and increased separation distances as required by the policy,” she said.

“The closure of the SKM sites was a decision taken to protect the community from the risk of a major fire. EPA will not allow a repeat of the 2017 Coolaroo fire.”

said Dr Wilkinson.

SKM’s recycling plant in Laverton.

Dr Wilkinson said that while SKM was again compliant, the EPA would continue to inspect the Laverton site to ensure it remained compliant with outdoor storage requirements.

“The community expectation is that SKM will now maintain compliance and be able to provide a valuable service to Victorians,” she said.

“The message should be clear, EPA is vigilant. Safety and security cannot allowed to be compromised.”

Councils and the waste industry are still seeking a long-term alternative solution after China banned imports of recyclable materials from Victoria.

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@JMasanauskas