Hume council is advocating to the federal government to implement tyre recycling systems that aim to deter illegal dumping.
Councillor Naim Kurt said he was excited by the recommendation for stronger illegal dumping penalty infringements.
“Over 4500 tyres are dumped in our city every year … we’re going to come down hard on these cowboys,” Cr Kurt said.
He said tyre fires and illegal dumping affect Hume more than any other municipality in Melbourne.
“In 2016 we had a fire which [started in Broadmeadows] and stretched over all of Melbourne, then the [Coolaroo recycling plant fire] the year afterwards,” he said.
Another of the council’s recommendations is to develop a circular economy with a nationwide free tyre recycling program. Cr Kurt said this would support the environment and cut costs.
“It can be less than $2000 for a corporation to dispose of waste … and when it is dumped it costs the council up to six times as much,” he said.
“Through the circular economy we can recycle tyres here. .. we can get renewable infrastructure that will develop jobs for our community too.”
Cr Kurt said another important recommendation was to create a national education campaign on the impacts of illegal dumping.
“This needs to be backed by the federal government… we can’t pick up the burden ourselves.”
Cr Jarrod Bell said stockpiles of dumped tyres and fires have been an ongoing issue.
“People who have disrespected our city thought it was appropriate to dump tyres in our community and light them on fire,” he said.
“We have a very real lived experience… of thick black choking billowing smoke which does not deserve to go above our community.”
He said it is important that the council is part of the solution to stopping tyre fires and dumping.
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu… it is our council’s obligation to be part of the conversation.
“Our recommendations aren’t going to be the golden bullet, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
Council will also recommend that the federal government strengthen tyre recycling legislation, monitor sites at risk of tyre stockpiling and start a nationwide education campaign on illegal dumping.
