Council urges ‘Keep our staff safe’ after another fire at Landfill

Published on 05 June 2024

Edward River Council is calling on all households to prioritise the safe use, storage, and disposal of batteries to address the increasing incidence of fires at waste facilities.

On Monday 28th May a fire broke out at the Deniliquin Landfill Depot due to improper disposal of a lithium battery. Thanks to the swift action of the staff and the NSW Fire and Rescue team, the fire was contained quickly, preventing extensive damage.

Katrina Bennett, Manager Utilities, said that this incident serves as a critical reminder to the community that batteries should never be disposed of in regular bins.

“Batteries contain hazardous materials that can cause fires when compressed or damaged during waste collection and processing. These fires present a risk to property and employee lives; but can be easily avoided,” said Ms Bennett.

To prevent such dangerous occurrences, Council urges residents to utilise the designated battery collection points for safe disposal. These secure battery collection bins are available at IGA, Coles, and the Deniliquin Landfill Depot. Additionally, residents can collect a free battery box for safe storage at home from Council Customer Service, the local library, or the landfill.

Council's commitment to public safety and environmental protection is unwavering. By working together, we can significantly reduce the risk of fires caused by improper battery disposal. Let’s keep our community and our waste management staff safe.