Ferny Grove and other Brisbane suburbs have seen a concerning rise in fires sparked by residents incorrectly disposing of batteries and flammable items in their household bins.
These incidents have led to 140 rubbish fires over the past five years, with potentially deadly fires and explosions becoming increasingly frequent.
Authorities emphasise that batteries and other flammable items like gas bottles should never be placed in household bins. These items can ignite or explode at Council dumps and garbage trucks, potentially harming bystanders and drivers, destroying the trucks, and damaging nearby properties.
In the past five years alone, there have been 43 instances of what is known as a “hot load,” where a garbage truck has had to dump its entire load onto the street due to an explosion caused by a flammable item.
Residents are reminded that batteries can be recycled for free at any of the Council’s four Resource Recovery Centres, including the one located in Ferny Grove. The Council also organises free Household Hazardous Waste days, allowing residents to safely dispose of items not accepted in general waste bins, such as bleach and garden and pool chemicals.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stressed the seriousness of the issue, stating that many residents are unaware that throwing batteries in their household bins is causing potentially deadly fires and explosions in their communities. He highlighted recent incidents where a battery nearly struck someone in the head and flaming rubbish had to be dumped on suburban streets.
Schrinner emphasised the importance of responsible disposal, especially with the increasing popularity of vapes, e-scooters, and e-bikes. He urged residents to remove batteries from these devices and dispose of them correctly, never placing them in household bins.
QFD Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutt echoed these concerns, explaining that rechargeable devices and batteries will likely be damaged during waste disposal, leading to ignition and potentially significant fires or explosions.
The Council and fire authorities urge residents to take responsibility for keeping their city safe, clean, and sustainable by properly disposing of batteries and flammable items.
Published Date 10-September-2024
