Council and waste contractor JJ’s Waste and Recycling have called for responsible hazardous waste disposal after a ‘hot load’ fire started in the metal body of a recyclable waste collection truck.
The fire in a Council contracted recycling collection truck at Thorneside last week has raised concerns about incorrect household waste disposal.
Mayor Karen Williams said Council is asking residents to ensure they don’t put dangerous contaminants or flammable material in their kerbside bins.
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“Luckily last week’s fire was contained and damage to the truck, valued at nearly $500,000, was limited thanks to the quick evasive actions of the driver.
“These incidents pose a risk to our drivers, residents and firefighters as well as causing damage to the vehicle, clean-up costs, impact on collection services and potential environmental hazards.
“Investigations into the fire are continuing, but the most common cause of “hot load” fires is batteries and chemicals, and as the weather cools – hot coals from a fire.
“On average we would see one or two “hot loads” a year, however, this year alone there have already been four incidents.
“Contamination in bins is a serious matter and under no circumstances should dangerous items be placed in any Council or kerbside bins,” Cr Karen Williams said.
“Any material marked as toxic, hazardous, flammable or requiring caution should not be disposed of in kerbside bins.
“This includes flares, batteries, chemicals, gas bottles, butane cans, oil, full aerosol cans, flammable liquids or materials.
“Under no circumstances should fire embers or lit cigarette butts be placed in waste collections.
There are several ways to dispose of dangerous and flammable materials through either Council or other services.
“Council’s permanent drop off facility at the Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre accepts a range of hazardous items except for flares and household batteries.
Flares can be disposed of at three locations in the Redlands provided by the Queensland government, and household battery collection bins are available at Aldi stores.
If you need to dispose of a dangerous item and are unsure what to do with it, please contact Council on 3829 8999 or visit the detailed waste information pages on Council’s website www.redland.qld.gov.au/waste
