‘Potentially deadly’: Council’s plea as battery explodes, nearly hits worker

An urgent plea has been issued after an incorrectly disposed battery exploded and nearly hit a worker in the head.

Footage has captured the terrifying moment a battery exploded and nearly hit a worker.

Brisbane City Council have released footage highlighting the dangers of incorrectly disposing of batteries in household bins after 140 rubbish fires were recorded in the past five years.

An incorrectly disposed of battery exploded and almost hit a worker. Picture: Brisbane City Council.

The footage highlights the dangers of incorrectly disposing of batteries in household bins. Picture: Brisbane City Council.

Potentially deadly fires and explosions are also a cause of concern, with garbage trucks having to dump their entire rubbish load onto the street due to an explosion (referred to as a “hot load”) a staggering 43 times in the same time period.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said with a rise in the purchase of vapes, e-scooters and e-bikes, residents must be removing batteries and disposing of them safely.

There have been 140 rubbish fires recorded in the past five years. Picture: Brisbane City Council.

“We take community safely serious and unfortunately many residents don’t realise throwing batteries in their household bins is causing potentially deadly fires and explosions in our suburbs,” he said.

“Just recently a battery ignited and nearly struck someone in the head, we’ve had to dump loads of flaming rubbish on our suburban streets and fires are frequently starting in rubbish pits at Resource Recovery Centres.

“Batteries don’t belong in bins, and we all must take responsibility for keeping our city safe but also clean and sustainable.”

 Queensland Fire Department Assistant Commissioner John Cawcutt said batteries can become damaged if put in household bins, sparking a fire.

The council has urged people not to dispose of batteries in household bins. Picture: Brisbane City Council.

Rubbish has needed to be dumped on streets due to battery fires. Picture: Brisbane City Council.

“It’s important that residents don’t dispose of rechargeable devices or batteries in their household bins because they’re likely to be damaged during the waste disposal process,” he said.

“Household bins will be emptied into a rubbish truck or dumpster that is likely to have a compactor to compress the waste and this impact is very likely to cause sufficient damage to spark ignition and a potentially significant fire or even explosion.”

Batteries can be recycled for free at four Resource Recovery Centres in Chandler, Willawong, Ferny Grove and Nudgee, while free Household Hazardous Waste days are also held by the council.