Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has decorated one of its waste collection trucks with signage warning residents about the dangers of putting hazardous waste items – like batteries, gas bottles and flammable items – into kerbside bins.
Operated by Council contractor, Solo Resource Recovery, the truck underwent a redesign after incorrectly disposed of hazardous waste items caused fires in local waste trucks and at Council’s Resource Recovery Centres.
“These fires not only cause costly damage to vehicles and facilities, but they pose a huge health and safety risk to our workers, community, and the environment – as well as disrupting kerbside collection services,” the Council said in a statement.
It said many residents were unaware that common household items, like paint, fluorescent lights, and cleaning products can be hazardous.
“Our 2023-24 Budget provided funding for several waste initiatives, including an increase in the number of chemical collection days. On top of this, residents can drop off most household hazardous items for free at our Resource Recovery Centres,” said Mayor, Steve Holland.
“Hazardous waste that’s tossed in the bin can be a huge problem. Not only does it result in high truck repair and replacement costs, but it poses a significant safety risk to our kerbside collectors, recycling teams and landfill staff,” he said.
