Fire a reminder to dispose of waste properly

Redlands Coast residents have been reminded not to dispose of hazardous waste in their wheelie bins following a fire in a waste truck at Capalaba.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the incident last week forced the driver to dump burning waste, with fire and emergency services called to the scene.

“What is believed to have been the improper and thoughtless disposal of hazardous waste forced the driver to take immediate action and may have compromised his and the community’s safety,” Cr Williams said.

“We urge residents to ensure they properly dispose of hazardous waste such as batteries, especially vehicle and lithium batteries, EPIRPBs, flares, hot ash, gas bottles and volatile substances at appropriate facilities.

“Not only is dumping them in wheelie bins dangerous and environmentally damaging, it can also cause extensive damage to the waste collection truck fleet.”

How and where to dispose of hazardous waste:

Household and lithium batteries – dispose through community recycling points. Check out B-Cycle (bcycle.com.au) for over 16 different drop-off points across Redlands Coast. Vehicle batteries, gas bottles and asbestos – dispose through Council’s staffed Recycling and Waste Centres. Flares and EPIRBS – visit Maritime Safety Queensland website (msq.qld.gov.au) for drop-off points. Hot ash and heat beads – ensure cool before bagging and disposing, or alternatively bury in garden or compost. Cigarette lighters, aerosol cans containing fluid – empty prior to disposal and place cigarette lighters in your general waste bin or recycle empty aerosol cans in your yellow-lid recycling bin. Coolants, brake fluids, engine oil, chemicals, CFC light bulbs, paint and paint packaging and other hazardous waste – dispose of at Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre.

Visit Council’s website or contact Council on 3829 8999 for more information.