Central Coast Council has issued a crucial warning about the proper disposal of batteries, following a series of fires at Umina and Wyoming.
The incidents, which occurred during the holiday period, were traced back to residential waste collection trucks and were caused by the improper disposal of batteries.
Coasties are strongly advised against placing used batteries of any type in general waste, recycling bins or kerbside collection.
Such actions have been identified as the primary cause of fires, not only in waste collection trucks but also at recycling depots and landfills.
“Incorrect disposal poses a significant safety risk to waste management personnel and can cause considerable environmental damage,” a spokesperson said.
To ensure safe and responsible disposal, residents and visitors are urged to take the following steps:
- First, if the item being disposed of contains a battery, remove the battery and tape its terminals with clear sticky tape.
- Then, drop off the batteries at designated Council collection points. These include Council libraries, Buttonderry and Woy Woy waste management facilities, and the Council’s administration building. For information on the nearest drop-off point, residents can visit this website.
For further details on waste management and the disposal of hazardous materials, the public is encouraged to visit the Council’s waste facility information page.
These initiatives forms part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and public safety.