Council warns residents against putting batteries in bins
Published: 14 Dec 2023
Residents are reminded to keep batteries and flammable materials out of kerbside bins.
One spark from an old battery can cause a fire in a rubbish truck or even send an entire waste facility up in flames.
Remove batteries where possible and place clear sticky tape over the connecting parts, before storing in a cool place until they can be disposed at an appropriate collection point.
Residents can dispose of batteries free of charge at council’s transfer stations, at the Incredable Drop-Off or at several businesses around the Mackay region. To find a battery drop-off location, visit bcycle.com.au
Flammable and hazardous materials also need to be kept out of kerbside bins and disposed of responsibly to avoid fires.
What can start a fire in kerbside bins?
- all batteries
- electronics containing batteries
- vapes, which contain batteries
- gas bottles
- chemicals
- fuels
- waste oils
- aerosol cans that are not empty.
To find out how to dispose different items, visit council’s A-Z of waste disposal page at mackay.qld.gov.au/wastedisposal
