WASTE contractor JJ's Waste and Recycling and Redlands Council have called for responsible hazardous waste disposal after a fire started in a recyclable waste collection truck.
The fire in a council contracted recycling collection truck at Thorneside last week has raised concerns about incorrect household waste disposal.
The fire was contained and damage to the truck, valued at nearly $500,000, was limited thanks to the quick evasive actions of the driver.
Mayor Karen Williams urged residents not to put dangerous contaminants or flammable material in their kerbside bins.
"These incidents pose a risk to our drivers, residents and firefighters as well as causing damage to the vehicle, clean-up costs, impact on collection services and potential environmental hazards," she said.
Investigations into the fire were continuing, but most common causes of hot load fires were batteries and chemicals, and as the weather cools - hot coals from a fire.
"On average we would see one or two hot loads a year, however, this year alone there have already been four incidents," Cr Williams said.
Any material marked as toxic, hazardous, flammable or requiring caution should not be disposed of in kerbside bins.
This included flares, batteries, chemicals, gas bottles, butane cans, oil, full aerosol cans, flammable liquids or materials.
There are several ways to dispose of dangerous and flammable materials through either council or other services.
"Council's permanent drop off facility at the Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre accepts a range of hazardous items except for flares and household batteries," she said.
Flares can be disposed of at three locations in the Redlands provided by the Queensland government; Cleveland Volunteer Marine Rescue, Redland Bay Water Police and Redland Bay Coast Guard.
Household battery collection bins are available at Aldi stores.
