Sorell Council says hazardous waste dumped in household bins is putting lives at risk, after four serious incidents were identified across the municipality in eight weeks.
The council said the incidents included full gas cylinders placed in kerbside rubbish bins.
In every case, the council said, it was only through the vigilance of the collection driver and the truck’s onboard cameras that the cylinders were identified before they were compacted.
Images released by the council from recent collections show cylinders among rubbish inside bins and at the kerb.
The council said that if compacted, gas cylinders could explode, causing fires and potentially resulting in serious injury or death to collection drivers and others nearby.
It said lithium batteries were another major concern, because when crushed, punctured or exposed to heat they could ignite and start fires in collection trucks or household bins.
Those fires placed waste collection crews, residents, nearby property and emergency responders at significant risk, the council said.
It said placing hazardous waste in a household rubbish bin was an offence and could attract a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units or $4,260.
Council manager of health and compliance Greg Robertson said the problem was easily avoided.
“One simple decision can help prevent a serious incident and keep everyone safe,” he said.
