A northern Tasmanian scrap metal recycler has vowed to operate safely and responsibly after the regulator lifted a processing ban.
Recycal Pty Ltd has been given the green light to resume shredding and processing activities at its Rocherlea site near Launceston, more than two years after the detection of elevated lead levels brought those operations to a halt.
Chief risk and compliance officer for Recycal’s parent company EcoCycle Group, Thomas Susen, welcomed the Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) decision.
“Recycal has recommenced operations in accordance with EPA Tasmania’s approval and has implemented the environmental controls, monitoring and reporting measures required by the regulator,” Mr Susen said.
Recycal’s Rocherlea site was ordered to partially shut down in 2024. (ABC News: Morgan Timms)
Lead levels shut operations
In February 2024, the EPA ordered the company to stop processing shredder waste and to remove or cover piles of the material due to elevated lead levels found in dust generated by a metal shredder.
A subsequent investigation found contaminated dust, distributed by wind, “several hundred metres” from the Rocherlea site.
In early 2024, the Tasmanian Department of Health recommended indoor cleaning be undertaken at several nearby premises, including Brooks High School and multiple commercial properties.
“Results from this risk assessment found that while there were higher levels of lead and other metals in soil and surface samples around the area, there was no evidence that these levels caused harm to the community,” the EPA said.
Since 2024, the EPA has worked with Recycal and Public Health Services to improve air quality controls at the site.
“With these controls and ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements in place, the EPA has given Recycal approval to resume shredding and related processing,” the regulator said.
“The EPA has identified that this work is necessary to reduce the large scrap metal piles at the site, which currently present a substantial fire risk.“
The metal shredder at Recycal’s metal processing plant has resumed operations. (ABC News: Morgan Timms)
‘Robust’ environmental controls implemented
However, the regulator vowed to “closely monitor” the company’s compliance, saying it had the power to immediately shut down processing if the site exceeded air-monitoring limits.
Mr Susen said Recycal supported “robust” environmental controls and monitoring programs.
“Since the original restrictions were imposed, Recycal has invested significantly in stockpile reduction, environmental monitoring, operational controls and reporting systems to support the safe recommencement of operations and compliance with EPA Tasmania’s requirements,” he said.
The EPA required the company to stop shredding and processing shredder waste, called floc. (ABC News: Morgan Timms)
“We believe the recycling industry should continue to invest in improved environmental controls and monitoring technologies to provide transparency and assurance to both regulators and the community.”
He said Recycal appreciated the patience of employees, customers and neighbours.
“The recommencement of processing activities is also important for the people who work within our business and the broader resource recovery sector,” Mr Susen said.
“As EPA Tasmania has publicly communicated its decision and the basis for that decision, Recycal does not intend to comment further on the regulatory process.”
