City of Darwin would like to remind the community to correctly dispose of house-hold batteries, after a serious fire broke out in a recycling truck recently.
The incident was caused by a lithium-ion battery placed in a household recycling bin.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the incident is a stark reminder that batteries must never be placed in kerbside recycling or general waste bins.
“Lithium batteries are highly volatile and can self-combust if ruptured, posing significant danger to waste collection crews, the public and recycling facilities,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“Lithium batteries are rechargeable batteries that are commonly used in portable electronics, such as stick vacuum cleaners, cordless power tools and electrified transportation such as scooters.
“Batteries should never go into recycling or general waste bins.
“Many retailers provide battery collection services and City of Darwin provides several drop-off points for battery and e-waste disposal, including at the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility and the Civic Centre recycling station.
“Fortunately, in this case no one was injured, however the risk to staff, community members and recycling facilities could have been catastrophic.
“By disposing of batteries properly, we can prevent fires, protect workers and reduce environmental harm,” he said.
Other household hazardous waste, such as car batteries, gas bottles, oils, paint and chemicals, can also be disposed of safely at the Shoal Bay Transfer Station.
All recycling collection trucks have technology to record the contents of each bin, identify ignition sources and alert drivers to fires within the vehicle so they can exit safely.
The average Australian household produces a busload of waste every year and City of Darwin is committed to reducing the amount of waste going to landfill to 50 per cent by 2031.
Do not place batteries, e-waste, or soft plastics, such as plastic shopping bags, chip packets and other items that can be easily scrunched up, in the yellow bin.
Visit City of Darwin’s A-Z Recycling Guide for more information, available at darwin.nt.gov.au/resident-services/waste-recycling/recycling