A fire at a local waste facility has prompted a warning to locals to dispose of hazardous items correctly.
The Qunaba Waste Facility was forced to closed on Thursday, when a battery sparked a large fire in one of the rubbish piles.
It’s believed the battery had been discarded in a household waste bin.
We’re being reminded things like batteries, vapes, e-cigarettes and mobile phones must be taken to designated recycling drop-off points.
Water, Waste and Renewable Economy portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels says the incident has served as an important reminder about the dangers of throwing batteries and other hazardous items into general waste.
“Batteries might seem small and harmless but when they are crushed, punctured or exposed to heat, they can spark and ignite.
“This puts our staff, emergency services personnel and the community at risk and can also result in significant service disruptions and costly damage to infrastructure.”
Everyday household items which contain embedded batteries, like electric toothbrushes, toys and vapes, cause a fire risk in the bin.
Instead, these items should be taken to designated battery recycling drop-off points or disposed of through approved recycling programs.
Cr Bartels also encourages residents to take extra care when visiting waste facilities.
“Please sort your loads before arriving and separate hazardous items.
“If you’re unsure about how to dispose of something, ask one of our staff who are there to help.
“Battery disposal is free in the Bundaberg Region and there are drop off points at our waste facilities and service centres.”
Residents are reminded not to place the following items in their general waste bins:
- Household batteries (including lithium-ion and rechargeable
batteries) - Electrical items (anything with a plug)
- Vapes and e-cigarettes
- Mobile phones and other electronic devices
- Any item containing a rechargeable battery
To find out more about what not to dispose of, click here or download the Recycle Mate app.
The platform provides clear information on which items are suitable for your household recycling bin and identifies nearby community dropoff locations for materials requiring specialised disposal.
