Fed-up western Sydney residents say disgusting stench hanging over their suburbs is now so bad they can’t even hang out their laundry – as companies responsible face $1million fines
- Waste landfills in Western Sydney are producing pungent smells angering locals
- The Environmental Protection Agency has warned three major operators
- They could face fines of up to $1million, locals are appalled at the foul smells
Foul smells from huge landfills near some of Australia’s most populated suburbs are ruining life for disgusted locals who cannot hang their washing outside.
The western Sydney dumps are piled with rotting organic waste leading to a stench that is polluting the air residents around Minchinbury, Erskine Park and Blacktown breathe.
Waste companies Suez and GRL have been put on notice to reduce the revolting odours emanating from their sites at Eastern Creek or face fines of up to $1million.
Foul smells from huge landfills near some of Australia’s most populated suburbs are ruining life for disgusted locals who cannot hang their washing outside
Resident Maria Duran (pictured) said her family cannot leave its washing outside at night-time
Both have been ordered to remove piles of waste by the NSW Environmental Protection Agency before March 4 or face the fines, 9News reported.
Resident Maria Duran said her family cannot leave its washing outside at night-time.
‘We are concerned that our clothes will be contaminated,’ she said.
Resident complaints about local recycling dumps in the past year have included reports of headaches, asthma issues and sore eyes.
‘The EPA has put these facilities on notice and we’ll continue our inspections to ensure that this situation doesn’t occur again,’ said Steve Beaman, NSW EPA executive director.
Locals complain the companies’ recycling tips are loaded with so much organic matter like leaves and branches that huge amounts are decomposing due to Sydney’s wet summer.
Another major waste company, Bingo, was forced to spend $6million to dig deeper pits to prevent pungent gasses escaping from its Eastern Creek site into surrounding suburbs.
The EPA monitored the site and detected the escape of hydrogen sulphide – known as ‘rotten egg gas’.
Foul smells from huge landfills near some of Australia’s most populated suburbs are ruining life for disgusted locals who cannot hang their washing outside (pictured, Bingo recycling’s Eastern Creek plant)
Waste operators Suez and GRL have been told by the NSW EPA to move stockpiles or face huge fines
Recycling sites in the area have become increasingly unpopular with locals and have led to community action campaigns from some groups in the last year.
Blacktown mayor Tony Bleasdale said an enquiry is needed to force companies to reduce the smells.
‘This has gone on far too long and the people of Blacktown and Minchinbury and surrounds have absolutely had it up to here.’