In a world where environmental consciousness is more important than ever, it’s disheartening to hear about large corporations failing to uphold their responsibilities. Recently, a McDonald’s store in Melbourne has been hit with a hefty fine of nearly $4000 for a serious environmental breach – improperly disposing of waste oils by dumping them into a drain.
This incident occurred at the store located at the corner of Bell St and Sussex St in Pascoe Vale South. Instead of adhering to the proper protocols of storing waste oils for collection and disposal, this McDonald’s outlet was caught allowing these oils to seep into stormwater drains. Such actions not only violate environmental regulations but also pose a significant risk to local ecosystems and waterways.
Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has been vigilant in reminding the three major fast-food chains – McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s, and KFC – of their environmental duties. Despite these warnings, the EPA’s North Metro regional manager, Chloe Bernett, expressed disappointment in finding evidence of the McDonald’s store’s negligence. ‘They’ll be getting a fine of nearly $4000 and will have to show us they have improved what is currently their poor waste oil management processes,’ Bernett stated, emphasising that ‘The only thing that should go down a stormwater drain is rain.’
This isn’t the first time fast-food outlets have been penalised for similar offences. Last year, a McDonald’s in Kingsbury and a Hungry Jack’s store were each fined $3846, while a KFC store faced an even steeper penalty, exceeding $7000. In response to these incidents, a McDonald’s Australia spokesperson claimed such occurrences were ‘isolated’ and assured that ‘Every McDonald’s restaurant is required to use the systems in place to dispose of waste oil correctly.’
The EPA has made it clear that it will not relent in its efforts to monitor these franchises and enforce environmental laws. Bernett warned, ‘We will continue to scrutinise their activities and more fines will be issued unless they live up to the community’s, and the law’s, expectations of them.’
As we continue to hold businesses accountable for their environmental impact, it’s important to stay vigilant. Have you noticed any concerning environmental practices at local fast-food outlets? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s work together for a cleaner, greener community.
Also read: Supermarkets facing multi-million dollar fines for bad behaviour
