Waste truck fire sparks reminder on safe battery disposal

Published on 09 September 2026

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is reminding residents to never place batteries in kerbside wheelie bins after a suspected incorrectly disposed of battery sparked a fire in a collection truck this week.

The incident forced the waste truck operator to urgently dump the vehicle's load roadside to prevent further damage and ensure public safety.

TRC Waste Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Melissa Taylor said the incident highlighted the serious risks associated with improper battery disposal.

"This week's fire serves as a timely reminder that batteries should never be placed in kerbside bins or disposed of with general waste at transfer stations or landfill sites," Cr Taylor said.

"Even small household batteries can become extremely dangerous when they are crushed or damaged during collection and processing.

"In this case, quick action by the truck operator prevented what could have been a much more serious incident, but the reality is that battery-related fires place our staff, waste collection vehicles, facilities and the broader community at risk."

Cr Taylor said residents had access to a range of safe battery recycling options across the region.

"Batteries can be safely dropped off at Council waste facilities, many supermarkets and other approved collection points," she said.

"I encourage residents to take a few extra moments to ensure batteries are disposed of correctly. It's a simple step that can prevent fires, protect workers and help recover valuable materials through recycling."

Council is also continuing to improve battery recycling infrastructure through the Queensland Government-funded Toowoomba Region Problem Battery Project.

The project will see dedicated all-weather, fire-resistant battery collection enclosures installed at Council waste management facilities to provide safe and convenient disposal options for residents.

Cr Taylor said the new infrastructure would help address the growing challenge posed by lithium-ion batteries.

"We are seeing more battery-powered devices in homes than ever before, and with that comes greater responsibility around safe disposal," Cr Taylor said.

"By providing more accessible recycling options and increasing community awareness, we can significantly reduce the risk of battery-related fires across the region."

Residents can find battery recycling locations using Recycle Mate at www.tr.qld.gov.au/recycling.

For more information about waste and recycling services, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/waste.