Cleanaway controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2025
Workplace safety scrutiny and shareholder first strike
The company faced increased scrutiny after a series of fatal incidents at Australian worksites. Shareholders delivered a first strike at the 2025 annual general meeting, creating the possibility of a board-spill vote if another strike occurs at the next meeting.
2021
Queanbeyan chemical discharges
Chemical discharges from a Cleanaway facility entered the Molonglo River in 2020. The NSW EPA later charged the company over alleged pollution offences and criticized operational management after inspections found recordkeeping and storage concerns at several sites.
2020
Cleanaway fined for storing waste without a licence
Fine or penalty
Cleanaway Pty Ltd was fined $15,000 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority for allegedly storing waste without an environmental protection licence. According to the EPA, investigations found that waste was stored without proper controls near a stormwater drain, which increased the risk of pollution and environmental harm.
The NSW EPA fined Cleanaway Pty Ltd $15,000 for allegedly storing waste without an environmental protection licence. The EPA said investigations found waste was stored without proper controls near a stormwater drain, increasing the risk of pollution and environmental harm.
Company response
Remediation — Cleanaway
In response to action by the EPA in December 2019, Cleanaway stopped receiving waste at the premises and began transporting it to another site at Kooragang Island.
Source excerpt
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Cleanaway Pty Ltd $15,000 for allegedly storing waste without an environment protection licence.
Investigations found that waste was being stored without proper controls near a stormwater drain, increasing the risk of pollution and environmental harm.
2017
Chemical facility fire
A worker was seriously burned in a fire at a chemical-waste processing facility. Cleanaway was fined $650,000 after a court criticized the way a trial involving a new chemical was communicated to workers.
2014
South Eastern Freeway tanker crash
A Cleanaway sewage tanker lost control on the South Eastern Freeway, colliding with vehicles and killing two people. The incident prompted inspections of approximately 2,800 trucks and later criminal health-and-safety proceedings.
2004
Employment discrimination case in the UK
Cleanaway's UK subsidiary was ordered to compensate a manager who left after alleged persistent harassment related to his sexual orientation. The case was reported as an early application of UK sexual-orientation employment protections.
2000
Fatal accident at Ellesmere Port facility
An employee was killed and another seriously injured when concrete fell during work at Cleanaway UK's toxic-waste incinerator. The subsidiary was convicted of health-and-safety failings and fined £200,000 plus costs.