RESIDENTS are being reminded to never dispose of household batteries in kerbside bins. Batteries, including vapes and other e-waste, pose a serious fire risk when disposed of incorrectly.
Many everyday items, such as laptops, phones and toys, contain hidden batteries. This includes vapes and e-cigarettes, which contain lithium-ion batteries and chemicals.
If batteries or items containing batteries are placed into kerbside bins, they can become compressed in the truck or puncture during loading, which can cause an explosion. This makes them extremely dangerous if disposed of in bins at home.
Further, batteries contain eco-toxic metals and elements that can spread into the environment when they are disposed of in landfill. These materials include nickel, cadmium, lead and mercury, which can pollute soil and groundwater and be harmful to animals and humans.
Residents can safely dispose batteries, vapes, and other e-waste for free at Shepparton, Ardmona and Murchison Resource Recovery Centres (RCC). Visit greatershepparton.com.au/resource-recovery-centres, for opening hours.
To find out more, visit greatershepparton.com.au/batteries
