A recent fire in a Scenic Rim garbage truck has prompted Council to remind the community that batteries, electronics and other hazardous items must never be placed in kerbside bins.
Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp, who also represents the region on the Council of Mayors South East Queensland Waste Working Group, said no injuries were sustained in the incident and the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
“This serves as an important reminder that hazardous materials should never be placed in wheelie bins,” he said.
“Items such as batteries, gas cylinders, aerosols, chemicals and electronic waste can ignite when damaged or compacted during collection and processing, putting Council employees and the community at risk.
“Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in laptops, mobile phones, power tools and other rechargeable devices, are a fire risk when they are disposed of incorrectly.”
Hot ash and coals from fireplaces, barbecues and firepits are also potential fire hazards.
These should be allowed to cool completely, wet down and stored in a metal container while cooling before disposal.
“Before putting anything in your bin, please check whether it can be safely disposed of through household waste or whether it needs to be taken to a designated drop-off point,” Cr Sharp said.
“Batteries, electronics, household chemicals, paints and gas canisters should be taken to designated locations at Council waste facilities so they can be managed safely.
“Taking these simple steps will help keep our workforce and community safe and prevent unnecessary fires across the Scenic Rim.”
For more information about safe disposal options residents can download the free Recycle Mate app, which provides easy-to-use information about what can and can’t go in household bins and where problem items such as batteries, electronics and chemicals can be safely disposed of.
Alternatively, contact Council’s customer service team on 5540 5111 during business hours or visit Council’s website.
