The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said it is in contact with a council in Melbourne’s west after mulch believed to be contaminated with asbestos was found at a playground.

In a statement, an EPA spokesperson said it had responded to community concerns "observed over social media". 

A picture emerged on Reddit of mulch and what appears to be debris and a "suspicious piece of compound material" at Donald McLean Reserve in Spotswood.

An EPA spokesperson said they believe the fill may contain demolition building materials.

"EPA is in contact with Hobsons Bay City Council over reports of mulch at Donald McLean Reserve in Spotswood that may possibly contain demolition building material," the spokesperson said. 

The EPA has visited the site and is "satisfied" with the council's actions. 

Hobson Bay Council has been contacted for comment.

Concerns over free mulch advertised on online marketplaces  

The EPA said it has conducted a number of inspections over the past five weeks and "no asbestos was found in garden mulch". 

"While most producers had good systems and process in place, six are required to strengthen controls to prevent contamination from occurring," it said. 

It raised concerns over free mulch being advertised on popular online marketplaces and said it was recently contacted by a Heathmont resident who received free mulch last year that included building rubble, including asbestos. 

"While we are investigating the supply of this mulch, it clearly demonstrates why garden mulch should only be obtained from reliable sources, where quality checks are enforced."

Director of Regulatory Services Duncan Pendrigh encouraged the community to be on alert and report any suspicions to the EPA. 

"If the offer seems too good to be true, be wary of it," he said.