A bin collector truck fire is sparking debate about the correct disposal of vapes and batteries.
Campaspe Shire Council is urging residents to follow correct procedures when disposing of flammable items following a fire inside a kerbside collection bin in Kyabram.
On Thursday, May 30, a kerbside bin collector truck caught fire on Allan St, prompting the bin truck to drop its contents across the busy street.
The Kyabram CFA attended the scene and extinguished the fire and no property was damaged.
While it is not known what the exact cause of the fire was, council director of sustainability Michael Sharp said “it was likely caused by several vapes and lead acid batteries” that were found in the contents dumped on Allan St.
Mr Sharp said “thankfully no-one was injured”, but said it was a timely reminder that there were certain objects that could not go in kerbside bins.
“It’s important that residents remember that there are items that cannot be disposed of in any bin and need to be recycled at one of the council’s resource recovery centres,” he said.
“Another tip: aerosol cans should be empty before being disposed of in your recycling bin,” Mr Sharp said.
“These are small steps we can take each day to reduce the risk of fires in kerbside bins and dispose of waste correctly.
“Doing all of this will help make sure waste is sorted correctly and prevent future kerbside issues.”
Any e-waste, including products with a plug, battery or power cord, that is no longer working or wanted, should be disposed of for free at a resource recovery centres.
To find out more about what goes in what bin, visit www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/whatgoesinwhatbin