
A reminder about battery safety has taken centre stage this week after a waste truck in North Mackay was forced to dump its load when a fire ignited inside the vehicle. According to Mackay Regional Council, the blaze was sparked by a large lithium battery that had been incorrectly placed in a household bin. Several other batteries, including a taped bundle and a power tool battery, were also found in the discarded load.
Council said the incident highlighted the serious risk batteries pose when thrown into general waste. Once crushed in a truck or at a waste facility, batteries can spark, explode and cause dangerous fires, putting drivers, machinery and the wider community at risk.
Residents are urged to dispose of batteries safely by taping the terminals, storing them in a glass or plastic container, and delivering them to a free collection point. Battery recycling drop-offs are available at Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Bunnings, Big W, Battery World, Total Tools, The Good Guys and several other locations across the region.
Local households can find their nearest battery recycling point by visiting bcycle.com.au.
Photo source: Mackay Regional Council