Battery disposal hazards cause garbage truck fires in New South Wales

Improper disposal of household batteries is causing frequent fires in waste collection vehicles and facilities across the New South Wales South Coast. A Cleanaway garbage truck caught fire in North Bega at 4:45 am on October 13, an incident that was only prevented from spreading to the vehicle's fuel tank because the driver tipped the burning load onto the street.

Authorities suspect a dumped battery ignited alongside discarded aerosol cans. Similar incidents have been reported in Merimbula and within the Shoalhaven Council's collection services. In the Eurobodalla Shire, household batteries are reportedly sparking at least one fire per month at waste facilities.

Waste experts and local councils warn that when batteries are placed in standard wheelie bins, they can be crushed or punctured by the compaction mechanisms in heavy trucks. This pressure causes them to short-circuit, overheat, and ignite surrounding materials like paper and plastic. Officials are urging residents to use designated drop-off points or retail recycling options rather than disposing of batteries in general rubbish.