Bin truck fire sparks lithium battery warning

A fire in a Rotorua rubbish truck this week serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of improperly disposing of batteries in household waste. The incident was traced back to a box of lithium batteries that ignited during a routine collection.

The driver of the truck noticed smoke on a camera feed and quickly took action by adding more waste to extinguish the flames before safely reaching the landfill. Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews ensured the fire was fully extinguished at the landfill site in Horohoro.

No injuries were reported, and the truck was undamaged and able to return to service later that day. The incident was a stark reminder of the risks associated with lithium batteries, commonly found in electronic devices.

It is crucial to properly dispose of batteries and avoid placing them in regular waste or recycling bins to prevent such incidents. Recycling batteries at designated collection points is the safest option to avoid fire hazards.

If batteries start smoking or catching fire, it is important to evacuate immediately and call emergency services. Battery vapors are toxic and highly flammable, posing a risk to both individuals and the environment.

Residents are urged to be cautious when disposing of batteries and to utilize recycling facilities for their safe disposal. Damaged or leaking batteries are considered hazardous waste and should be handled with care.

Proper battery disposal is essential for the safety of workers, equipment, and the wider community. Let’s all do our part to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

– This article is co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.