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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Environment
Lisa Cox and Catie McLeod

Leading Australian labs retested landscape products for waste companies after contamination findings

Composite image showing test tube and gloved hand
Testing of the recycled soil fill known as recovered fines has come under scrutiny following a Guardian Australia investigation. Composite: Guardian design/Guardian

Facilities belonging to some of the leading commercial laboratory companies in Australia were among those that retested samples of landscaping products at the request of their waste company clients, after initial tests found contamination not compliant with New South Wales laws.

Guardian Australia revealed earlier this year the testing regime meant to limit toxic chemicals in landscaping material known as “recovered fines” had been compromised by the practice of waste companies asking private laboratories to retest samples until they passed.

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