Campaspe Shire Council is calling on residents to dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) - including batteries - responsibly following five waste truck fires in the past 18 months caused by batteries in kerbside bins.
These incidents are not only costly and dangerous but can lead to smouldering loads being dumped on the roadside to prevent injury to waste collection staff and the total loss of the waste truck, creating the potential for a catastrophic fire considering the current fire danger conditions and windy weather.
Residents can dispose of batteries and e-waste free of charge at any of the shire's Resource Recovery Centres; e-waste includes any item with a plug, battery or power cord - such as kitchen appliances, electronic devices, video game consoles, musical equipment, radios, LED lighting, lamps, batteries and cables.
Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Daniel Mackrell said understanding how and why e-waste should be disposed of correctly was critical.
"Currently, e-waste is growing three times faster than standard waste and contains hazardous materials that don't belong in landfill. The Victorian Government has banned e-waste from landfill, meaning it cannot go in any of the three kerbside bins Campaspe offers," Cr Mackrell said.
"To protect our environment and recover valuable resources for reuse or upcycling, e-waste must be taken to a Resource Recovery Centre. Lithium batteries, in particular, are prone to starting fires in bins, trucks and landfill. I strongly encourage residents to dispose of these materials safely and for free at our centres."
Cr Mackrell also highlighted the broader impact of these fires.
"Every truck fire puts our drivers, emergency services and the community at risk," he said.
"It also costs thousands of dollars in repairs and delays waste collection services. By disposing of e-waste correctly, residents can help prevent dangerous incidents and reduce unnecessary costs."
Once collected, e-waste is transported to a recycling facility where items are dismantled, hazardous materials are removed, and valuable components are collected for reuse in new products, supporting a circular economy.
