Article
EPA Ban on Scrap Metal Shredding Reinstated
The EPA has reinstated the ban on scrap metal shredding at Recycal’s facility in Northern Tasmania, as of 21 July 2026.
Media Release – Environment Protection Authority (EPA), 27 July 2026
Recycal Rocherlea – EPA Ban on Scrap Metal Shredding Reinstated
The EPA has reinstated the ban on scrap metal shredding at Recycal Pty. Ltd.’s facility at Rocherlea in Northern Tasmania, as of 21 July 2026.
The ban was reinstated due to pollution limits for dust coming off the site being exceeded.
Recycal was initially banned from shredding scrap metal in February 2024 due to concerns about metal contaminated dust moving into the surrounding area. The company was approved to resume scrap metal shredding on 10 June 2026, provided it met a range of environmental requirements, including limits for pollution in dust.
The EPA set the air pollution limits in consultation with the Department of Health. The limits are precautionary and designed to prevent environmental or human health risks from arising. The exceedances do not indicate that health harms have occurred or are likely to occur.
If exceedances of the limits occur, the EPA requires a thorough investigation. Shredding and processing will not restart until Recycal identifies the causes of the exceedances so that the causes can be addressed to prevent future exceedances.
The EPA and Department of Health conducted a detailed investigation in 2024. This found dust containing metals had been deposited in locations beyond the Recycal site; however, there was no evidence of harm to the community. The overall recommendation was to remove visible dust by regular cleaning. This was recommended for both businesses and private homes and buildings in and near the Rocherlea industrial area.
Dust can be removed by normal housekeeping cleaning practices, including by:
- regularly cleaning floors, ledges, windowsills, and other flat surfaces, with a damp mop or damp rag; and
- using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to vacuum floors to remove dust.
Background
- For further information on the Rocherlea Industrial Area lead exposure event, visit: Rocherlea Industrial Area lead exposure event – Frequently Asked Questions | EPA Tasmania.
- For human health information related to this incident please visit: Rocherlea Industrial Area lead exposure event – Frequently Asked Questions | Tasmanian Department of Health.
- A summary report of the investigation is available at: Rocherlea Human Health Risk Assessment Summary Report | Tasmanian Department of Health.
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