Blue Mountains News

On Friday, 17 November 2023, a Council garbage truck had the load it was carrying catch fire, with the likely cause identified as incorrect disposal of hazardous waste, such as batteries.

While they may seem small and harmless, batteries can be especially dangerous if put in waste or recycling bins, whether they are the standard type found in torches and toys or those found in laptops, mobile phones, and power tools.

Commonly used lithium batteries are particularly dangerous and have been responsible for several recent fires across the waste industry.

In addition to batteries, hazardous waste such as electrical items, gas bottles, fuel cans, flares, butane canisters, paint, chemicals, vapes (e-cigarettes) and products labelled “corrosive”, “toxic”, “flammable” or “oxidising agent” should never be placed in waste and recycling bins.

These materials can be disposed of several ways, including battery drop-off points at both our waste facilities in Blaxland and Katoomba, and scheduled chemical clean-out events for household chemicals.

Blue Mountains Mayor, Councillor Mark Greenhill said he was relieved that no one was injured and urged residents to be careful about what they put in their waste and recycling bins, especially in the lead to Christmas with so many battery-operated items in circulation.

“This is a really important reminder of the dangers of disposing waste incorrectly in our bins,” Cr Greenhill said.

“When we think of ‘hazardous waste’ it’s easy to forget these are everyday household items such as batteries or paint.

“It may seem harmless to simply throw these items in the bin, however the consequences of disposing of them incorrectly can be devastating. 

“In this instance it was only through the quick actions of the driver and NSW Fire and Rescue that the fire was safely extinguished.

“Council provides a range of opportunities for the free and safe disposal of hazardous waste to residents, and I would urge you to make use of these.”

More information about Council services, and information on the correct way to dispose of waste is available on Council’s website, by contacting Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4780 5000, or you can download Council’s Waste Management App for free, via here.

Additionally, Planet Arc has a comprehensive list of local retailers that offer battery drop off points, such as Aldi and Bunnings. For more information visit here