A firm which collects about half of Victoria's kerbside recycling has been given a green light to reopen two of its plants which were shut down amid fears stockpiling posed a fire hazard.
The state's environmental watchdog on Wednesday lifted an operating ban imposed on SKM Services' Coolaroo site on February 15, after the company's Laverton North facility opened last week.
"EPA took the decision to close the Coolaroo and Laverton North sites to protect the community from the risk of a major fire," Environment Protection Authority chief executive Cathy Wilkinson said.
"We are satisfied that SKM now meets the conditions outlined in our notices and is again compliant. However, EPA will continue to inspect the Laverton North and Coolaroo sites to ensure they remain compliant."
The company voluntarily closed its Geelong site, which has since reopened.
Some councils which rely on the company to process recycling had been forced to send material to landfill after the depots were closed. The move sparked widespread outcry.
The pinch on recycling services reached political levels with calls in Canberra for an investigation.
The Victorian Labor government said councils should have contingencies in place. And local government called for greater support from Spring Street.
The company and its director have previously been charged under the Environment Protection Act following a blaze which burned for more than a week at the Coolaroo site in 2017.
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