Redland City Council warns of hazardous waste risks to crews

Redland City Council has issued a warning regarding the improper disposal of hazardous materials in kerbside waste and recycling bins. Recent incidents involving collection crews include a truck fire caused by a discarded battery, as well as damage to vehicles, roads, and private property resulting from leaking paint and oil.

According to Council reports, the waste contractor has recorded 12 gas bottle incidents and eight incidents involving oil, paint, or chemicals this year. Furthermore, regional waste audits conducted in 2025 revealed that up to 93 out of every 100 collection trucks contained either a loose battery or an item with an embedded battery, underscoring the significant safety risks faced by workers.