The incorrect disposal of batteries in household recycling has been blamed for causing the fire which destroyed Canberra’s recycling plant on Boxing Day last year.
Commenting on the finding, Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel said an investigation by ACT Fire & Rescue revealed evidence that the presence of multiple batteries of varying types, identified in the remains of the waste compacter, caused a thermal runaway which ignited the fire.
“The ACT Fire & Rescue report specifically points the finger at lithium batteries,” Mr Steel said.
“Lithium is found in many household batteries such as non-rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, and also in rechargeable batteries in devices like laptops, mobile phones, and cameras,” he said.
“This is a timely reminder to the community not to put batteries of any kind in your household recycling bin or landfill bin.
“We’re asking the community to please remember, ‘don’t bin your batteries’.”
Mr Steel said there were a number of free battery drop-off options in the ACT and NSW as part of the battery product stewardship scheme, B-cycle and at resource management centres.
He said in addition to B-cycle drop-off points, batteries could be dropped off for free at the hazardous waste area at the Mitchell or Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre.
“Batteries taken to the Resource Management Centres will be recycled,” the Minister said.
“There are hefty fines of up to $800 associated with incorrectly and illegally disposing of all batteries which could put workers and our community at risk.”
He said that in the wake of the fire, the ACT Government intended to work with the NSW Government and NSW regional councils through the Canberra Region Joint Organisation to develop a communications campaign about the safe disposal of all types of batteries at B-cycle drop off points and other locations.
Further information on B-cycle drop off locations can be accessed at this PS News link.
