The fire broke out in recyclables at Hart Recycling Pty Ltd on Boundary Rd during the evening of Wednesday, 19 November 2025 and burned out of control for 90 minutes. At its peak, the blaze spread over an area of 80 square metres and flames were reaching more than five metres into the air.
EPA acting Western Metropolitan Regional Manager Carly McGregor says it is a condition of the company's EPA permit that it must report any pollution incident that might affect human health or the environment.
"The smoke and water runoff from burning recyclables definitely qualify as potentially harmful pollution," they said.
EPA was alerted to the incident through the state's emergency response system.
"The company had several opportunities to report the fire while it was burning, or before the arrival of EPA officers the next morning."
The $10,176 fine is the maximum that EPA can impose without taking a case to court. Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the operator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court.
Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA's 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution
