EPA warns against burning tyres

Cooler conditions and the lifting of fire restrictions in some areas has prompted the state’s environmental watchdog to warn landowners about the burning of car tyres.

Environment Protection Authority North West Region manager Scott Pigdon said farmers managing hazard-reduction burns should consider removing any stacks of old tyres before starting a burn.

He said piles of waste tyres were a fire hazard and a threat to the environment.

“You can stockpile up to 40 tonnes or 5000 standard passenger tyres without needing a permit from

EPA, but there are common-sense reasons for most property owners to get rid of old tyres,” he said.

“A stack of waste tyres is a pile of chemicals waiting to burn; it doesn’t catch fire easily but if it is overrun by fire it will generate toxic smoke and burning tyres can be very difficult to extinguish.”

Mr Pigdon said any abandoned stockpile of waste tyres was also an environmental hazard, providing a breeding ground for vermin while the tyres decayed and contaminated soil and groundwater.

“Past practices of using old tyres to contain soil erosion or around newly planted trees are no longer accepted, and it’s illegal to burn or just dump them,” he said.

The authority has urged landholders to inspect any tyre stockpile and make a decision to either manage it properly or send the tyres for recycling or legal disposal in landfill.

EPA’S website www.epa.vic.gov. au has advice on how tyres can be used on farmland or private property. Stockpile regulations are available online at ref.epa.vic.gov.au.

People suspecting someone is illegally stockpiling or dumping tyres can call EPA’S 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842.