{"id":504301,"date":"2026-02-26T01:57:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T01:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/504301\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T01:57:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T01:57:11","slug":"aussie-company-fined-19800-after-24-tonne-discovery-hidden-inside-shipping-container","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/504301\/","title":{"rendered":"Aussie company fined $19,800 after 24-tonne discovery ‘hidden’ inside shipping container"},"content":{"rendered":"

A discovery inside a shipping container has led to an Australian recycling company being slapped with a fine of close to $20,000. A large haul of e-waste had been sent offshore by Melbourne-based<\/a> Weeebytes, but authorities in Singapore intercepted it before it could reach its final destination.<\/p>\n

In Australia, a permit is required to export old electrical items because many contain toxic substances like flame retardants, mercury and lead, which can pollute the environment.<\/p>\n

A department of environment (DCCEEW) <\/a>spokesperson said, \u201cIf disposed of improperly, these substances can enter drinking water and soil, leading to serious human health concerns.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other problems can include groundwater contamination, odour and dust, explosions, and disruption to ecosystems.<\/p>\n

Yahoo News does not allege that the disposal of components exported by Weeebytes would have contributed to these environmental issues, or that it intentionally breached Australia\u2019s laws.<\/p>\n

Authorities allege waste was ‘hidden’<\/p>\n

The shipment, discovered on March 24, contained computer products, including crushed hard drives, as well as old components from the renewable energy sector, such as solar inverters and lithium-ion batteries.<\/p>\n

DCCEEW said the waste was \u201chidden behind other goods\u201d, which had not been properly declared under the Hazardous Waste Act.<\/p>\n

“Weeebytes illegally exported approximately 24 tonnes of e-waste destined for Singapore by not properly declaring the items to the Australian Border Force,” a spokesperson told Yahoo News.<\/p>\n

“The goods in the container were declared as unregulated \u2018scrap metal\u2019”.<\/p>\n

Pictures supplied to Yahoo News show several large bags filled with consumer goods at a warehouse following the interception.<\/p>\n

Authorities ordered Weeebytes to return the container to Australia, arrange for its disposal, and pay a fine of $19,800.<\/p>\n

Weeebytes declined to comment when Yahoo News contacted the business.<\/p>\n

\"Bags<\/p>\n

The e-waste was discovered inside a shipping container. Source: DCCEEW<\/p>\n

Australia cracking down on illegal e-waste exports<\/p>\n

DCCEEW said it is working to \u201ccrack down\u201d on the illegal export of e-waste, and working alongside Border Force, the agriculture department and state environment agencies to identify \u201csuspicious consignments\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe department is strengthening its monitoring and detection capabilities to disrupt and respond to the illegal export of regulated waste,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can also follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n