Wallsend garbage truck driver dumps burning load to prevent fire

A garbage truck driver in Wallsend was forced to dump a burning load of waste onto the roadway on Thursday morning to prevent a fire from spreading and causing further damage to the vehicle. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews responded to the incident on Alexander Street, where they extinguished the burning rubbish.

Following the incident, firefighters issued a warning regarding the dangers of placing lithium-ion and other rechargeable batteries in household garbage or recycling bins. Officials noted that these batteries can ignite when crushed or damaged within waste-processing equipment. Residents are advised to take batteries from devices such as phones, laptops, and e-bikes to appropriate recycling or problem-waste facilities.