NSW waste industry faces crackdown on recycled soil after asbestos found in more than half facilities tested

Exclusive: Watchdog says it ordered disposal of more than 600 tonnes of soil fill, fined three facilities and is considering significant changes' to rules following Guardian investigation

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The New South Wales environment watchdog has vowed to crack down on the waste industry after new tests found asbestos at seven of 13 facilities producing or handling cheap landscaping products.

A 15-month Guardian Australia investigation revealed earlier this year that the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) had failed to act after compliance campaigns in 2013 and 2019 found potentially contaminated products had been distributed across the state - including at childcare centres, schools, residential areas and parks - thanks to widespread breaches by the industry.