The Environment Protection Authority issued the infringement notice after an investigation triggered by a complaint.

EPA North East manager Daniel Hunt said Cleanaway had received the waste at the site to conduct a composting trial.

But it had failed to comply with its EPA vehicle permit for the collection, transport and deposit of the waste.

Mr Hunt said Cleanaway had not damaged the environment in any way, but its actions were a breach of regulations.

“The trial was being undertaken with a view to developing new technology for a site Cleanaway is looking to set up in NSW,” he said.

“However, the transport of prescribed industrial waste to this facility was in breach of the Environment Protection Act.

“All prescribed industrial waste in Victoria must be transported by an EPA-permitted vehicle to ensure it is transported and disposed of in a safe manner.

“Cleanaway has been fined to ensure the integrity of the industrial waste regulations EPA administers.”

The exact amount of the fine issued by the EPA was $7381, and the Wodonga centre has subsequently been closed.

The fine coincides with the start of a three-bin collection system in Albury and Corowa this week.

Cleanaway confirmed the fine, but declined to comment further.

The Wodonga trial site was established in preparation for the development of a compost centre on farmland at Gerogery.

A development application for the compost facility was rejected by Greater Hume Council and a joint regional planning panel.

Cleanaway appealed the decision, but lost.

It is understood composting of Border waste will be done at Shepparton and Wagga.