Waste truck fires spark batteries warning
A spate of fires in waste trucks across metropolitan Adelaide this year has sparked renewed calls to keep batteries out of bins.
Over the past 18 months, five significant battery-related fires across Adelaide Hills, Norwood and Campbelltown have resulted in approximately $160,000 in vehicle damage and $22,500 in operational costs due to trucks being taken off the road. These figures do not include costs associated with emergency response from MFS, clean-up and disposal fees.
When batteries or electrical items ignite, entire loads may be dumped, recyclables are lost, emergency response is required and drivers and the community can be at serious risk.
Safe, free disposal locations for electrical items or embedded batteries found in products like vapes, smart watches or electric toothbrushes include:
Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre, 181 Morphett Road, North Plympton
The Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre, 2 Scott Creek Road, Heathfield
Campbelltown Works Depot, 6 Newton Road, Campbelltown
NAWMA Resource Recovery Centre, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North
Loose household batteries can also be recycled at the City of Mitcham Civic Centre, 131 Belair Road, Torrens Park and most local supermarkets. For a full list of locations visit www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/tricky-waste