A thermal camera at the Anglesea Landfill is helping Surf Coast Shire Council's waste team detect potential fires earlier – and it's making a big difference in reducing the risk of fires caused by batteries and emergency flares incorrectly disposed of in household rubbish.
The camera uses thermal imaging to detect hotspots in the landfill and sends an alert when a potential fire is suspected.
It provides 24-hour monitoring, with the system used after hours when the landfill is closed to avoid false alarms caused by the heat from machinery during operating hours.
Cr Mike Bodsworth said the new thermal camera was a game changer.
"When an alert comes through, staff can access a live camera feed on their phones to check the site and respond if needed," he said.
"Previously, the team relied on people noticing smoke and reporting it, meaning a fire could go unnoticed until it was already well alight."
"This technology gives the team an important early warning system, helping them identify potential issues sooner and improve site safety."
"While the thermal camera is an important tool in detecting potential fires early, the best thing we can all do to prevent fires and protect our environment is to keep batteries, e-waste and flares out of landfill by disposing of them at designated drop-off points," Cr Bodsworth said.
You can help prevent fires, too.
Batteries and electronic waste can cause fires when they end up in household bins or landfill. Instead, dispose of them safely by dropping them off for free at one of the many collection points across the shire:
A small change in how we dispose of batteries and electronic items can help reduce the risk of fires and keep our waste facilities and community safer.
Emergency flares can be disposed of at the Lorne Police Station and Geelong Police Station. People should call the station before transporting the flares and to confirm opening hours.
