Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has dismantled an interstate waste tyre operation that illegally collected thousands of tyres from dealerships and mechanical businesses across the state, uncovering what authorities describe as a sophisticated environmental crime network.
The investigation began last year after the EPA received reports that an unlicensed company was approaching businesses while allegedly posing as an approved waste transporter endorsed by both the EPA and Tyre Stewardship Australia.
Investigators identified at least 30 instances of unlawful tyre collection involving around 20 Tasmanian businesses, with the operators reportedly generating approximately $50,000 in revenue within just 10 days.
According to the EPA, the operation was linked to a broader network that had been active in several Australian states over recent years. Authorities allege the group used rented vehicles, short-term shipping container leases, and false credentials to collect and store waste tyres while appearing to operate as legitimate waste management contractors.
A major breakthrough came in June when investigators located six shipping containers filled with waste tyres, including four in Bridgewater and two in Launceston. The EPA estimates that between 4,000 and 5,000 tyres had been unlawfully collected and stored across Tasmania.
The investigation resulted in enforcement action against one operator, while warning notices were also issued to a number of retailers who authorities said should have recognised suspicious activity and verified the credentials of waste collection providers.
Evidence gathered during the investigation includes alleged breaches of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste Management) Regulations 2020, along with potential fraud-related offences.
EPA Chief Executive and Director Catherine Murdoch described the operation as the largest proactive industry-targeting investigation undertaken by the agency against organised environmental crime.
“The EPA undertook its largest proactive industry-targeting exercise in response to organised environmental crime to date,” Murdoch said.
She warned that illegal waste activities can have significant consequences for both businesses and the wider community.
“Waste crime can have significant financial and environmental consequences for local businesses and the wider community.”
The EPA said the intelligence and evidence collected during the investigation will also assist authorities in other Australian jurisdictions as they work to combat similar illegal waste disposal operations.
The case highlights growing concerns about environmental crime within the waste management sector and the importance of ensuring regulated disposal practices for potentially harmful materials.
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