Bin washing company fined for stormwater pollution in Docklands

EPA Victoria has fined a bin cleaning business $1900 after a Docklands resident captured footage of workers hosing wastewater into the street and down stormwater drains.

The incident occurred on Pearl River Rd, where Master Bin Boys, trading as The Bin Butlers, was spotted washing bins in the street before hosing the area down. The company operates specialised trucks designed to lift and wash bins while capturing wastewater for safe disposal, but on this occasion, the process was bypassed.

EPA West Metropolitan regional manager Julia Gaitan said the actions were both unnecessary and unacceptable.

“Why Bin Butlers was simply washing the bins out in the street, then hosing the street down, is not clear,” Ms Gaitan said. “Our officers have spoken to the company, which has committed to improving staff training, and we’ll monitor to ensure that is happening.”

She stressed that stormwater drains are only designed to carry rainwater and that any other substances – including bin wastewater – can harm the environment.

“Hosing bin juice down the drain, especially on a commercial scale, is not acceptable,” Ms Gaitan said. “If you’re a community member and you see this kind of activity, we’re keen to hear from you. It’s everybody’s duty to act to protect the environment.”

The EPA credited the swift response of the Docklands resident who reported the incident, reminding the public that vigilance is key to preventing pollution.

Anyone who witnesses pollution can report it by calling EPA Victoria on 1300 372 842 or visiting epa.vic.gov.au.