The Environment Protection Authority has issued Newcastle Waste Recycling at Tomago with a clean-up notice and ordered them to cease operations.
On October 23, the EPA inspected the site after reports of a fire and discovered 19,000 cubic metres of waste not covered by a current environmental operating licence.
The waste allegedly consisted of a large amount of building and demolition materials, with tests confirming the presence of asbestos.
A follow-up inspection on October 29 found the facility had still not addressed a number of actions.
“The EPA will continue to monitor the facility and will not hesitate to take further action if the environmental management at the site is not improved and the Clean-Up notice actions are not addressed,” said Acting Manager of Regional Waste Compliance, Cate Woods.
