Published on 11 December 2024
A rubbish truck caught fire Tuesday morning (10 December) due to dangerous items incorrectly disposed of in kerbside bins.
The incident unfolded when the truck driver noticed smoke emanating from the load. Acting swiftly, the driver contacted the fire brigade and proceeded to the depot in Rosebud under their guidance. Once at the depot, the driver safely emptied the burning load onto a concrete surface, enabling firefighters to extinguish the flames effectively.
Upon investigation, the crew identified two items within the load that may have caused the fire: battery and electrical drill.
This incident highlights the significant risk posed by placing hazardous materials in household waste bins. Certain items, including batteries, gas cylinders and electrical appliances can ignite under compression in rubbish trucks, endangering lives of the drivers and residents, as well as property.
Everyone is responsible for disposing of hazardous items correctly. Dangerous items such as batteries, gas bottles and appliances with a plug or battery (e-waste) can be disposed of at our Resource Recovery Centres free of charge.
Find out how to dispose of tricky items in our waste guide: mornpen.vic.gov.au/wasteguide.