Residents are being reminded of the serious consequences of placing hazardous items, like batteries, incorrectly following a significant fire at the Qunaba Waste Facility last week.
After igniting on Thursday morning, the fire forced the closure of the facility in the interests of public safety until Saturday, with early indications suggesting it may have been sparked by a battery which was disposed of alongside household waste rather than at a free and safe disposal point.
Water, Waste and Renewable Economy portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels said the incident 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,” he said.
“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.”
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
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 encouraged residents to take extra care when visiting waste facilities.
“Please sort your loads before arriving and separate hazardous items,” he said.
“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.”
Council thanks residents for their understanding during last week’s temporary closure and appreciates the community’s cooperation in helping keep waste facilities safe.
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 drop‑off locations for materials requiring specialised disposal.
