A Cleanaway garbage truck was forced to dump its load in a Baulkham Hills Reserve after it caught on fire on Wednesday, March 23.
The contents of 150 bins were tipped out in Torry Burn Reserve after the vehicle’s sensors detected a fire within the truck.
The driver was quick to respond and dumped the waste safely, while also quickly contacting authorities, who were on scene to extinguish the flames.
Following this, rubbish was recollected without environmental impacts to the local Reserve.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi is urging residents to dispose of unwanted hazardous waste through the correct methods.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the likely cause is hazardous waste, such as chemicals or batteries that have been tossed out in the recycling bin [yellow lidded bin],” Mayor Gangemi said.
“This incident is a reminder to all residents to please dispose of all waste in the right way.
“Single-use batteries and rechargeable batteries found in phones or laptops, as well as light globes and ink cartridges cannot be thrown out with regular recycling waste. They must be disposed of in a safe and correct manner to prevent fires and environmental contamination.
“Council holds a number of events throughout the year where residents can recycle their e-waste and chemicals safely and at no added cost. It’s a great way to remove unwanted hazardous waste and to protect our community and environment for future generations.
“If you are unsure about what you can and can’t throw out, please visit Council’s website and search ‘what you can put in your bins’. There, you’ll find an approved list of what can go in each of your red, yellow and green bins,” Mayor Gangemi added.
Residents can also recycle batteries, CDs, DVDs and VHS tapes at Council’s Norwest Administration Building at 3 Columbia Court, in Norwest, as well as any of its four libraries, including Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Dural and Rouse Hill Town Centre.
For announcements on Council’s E-Waste and Chemical CleanOut Events, visit The Hills Shire Council’s website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au or follow Council on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
You can also sign-up to Council’s Have Your Say and Sydney Hills Events newsletters, which can also be found on Council’s website.
