Bundaberg Regional Council is urging residents to dispose of batteries safely after a fire broke out at the Bundaberg Regional Landfill on Cedars Road last week.
The fire was reported at 5.30 am on Saturday 10 October, initiating an immediate response in coordination with the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) to contain and extinguish the blaze.
Council crews worked alongside emergency services, using water trucks and plant equipment, relocating assets at risk and constructing containment trenches to help prevent the fire from spreading.
Burning waste was also excavated to allow it to be treated and extinguished.
QFD declared the fire under control at approximately 11.15 am on Saturday.
Council staff remained onsite until midnight before further inspections and treatment works were carried out on Sunday 11 October, to reduce the risk of reignition.
While the cause of the fire has not yet been identified, incorrectly disposed items such as batteries, gas bottles, solid and liquid chemicals, and fuel can pose a significant fire risk at waste facilities.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said battery-related fires were a serious concern, with incorrectly disposed batteries capable of igniting when damaged or crushed during waste collection and processing.
“Battery fires are a very serious concern which, unfortunately, are occurring all too often in our region ,” she said
“These fires can start after batteries are thrown into household wheelie bins, which is why we’re continuing to raise awareness that safe disposal methods are free and easily accessible.
“We’re asking residents to take a few extra moments to dispose of their batteries correctly to help protect waste facility workers, emergency services and the wider community.”
For safe battery disposal, residents are reminded to:
- Tape the terminals of used batteries or bag them in a clear plastic bag.
- Drop them off at designated battery recycling points.
- Never place batteries in kerbside bins. This includes loose batteries and items with embedded batteries, such as toys, remotes and scooters.
- Use designated disposal points. Find locations by searching the Recycle Mate map or downloading the app to your mobile device.
- Take larger batteries, such as car batteries, power tool batteries and items with embedded batteries, to Council waste facilities and let staff know what you’re dropping off.
To find out how to correctly dispose of batteries and other dangerous waste, head to Bundaberg Regional Council’s website here.
