Recycling facilities in New South Wales have been found to breach safety regulations, leading to contaminated soil being supplied for various public and private uses.
Lisa Cox and Catie McLeod report for The Guardian.
In short:
- Major waste companies in NSW, including Bingo Industries and Aussie Skips Recycling, violated rules for testing soil fill, potentially spreading contaminants.
- Investigations revealed that companies retested non-compliant samples until they passed, and some did not follow proper sampling protocols.
- The EPA found asbestos and other contaminants in many facilities' products, prompting stricter testing requirements and higher penalties.
Key quote:
"It is deeply concerning that some of the largest producers of recovered fines have avoided their obligations to ensure their products do not contain harmful contaminants."
— Sue Higginson, NSW Greens environment spokesperson
Why this matters:
Improperly tested and contaminated soil can pose significant health risks, especially when used in public spaces and residential areas. The presence of asbestos, a notorious carcinogen, is a grave concern for both consumers and environmental advocates. Historically used in construction materials for its fire-resistant properties, asbestos has been linked to severe respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
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