A Melton City Council contractor’s life was put at risk earlier this month after his truck caught fire, forcing him to perform an emergency unload.
The contractor was collecting recycling bins in Caroline Springs on Tuesday, February 13 when he noticed his truck was on fire.
Following standard emergency procedures, the driver found a safe place – a reserve located a safe distance from houses or infrastructure –and unloaded the material. Emergency services arrived soon after. The driver was uninjured.
A skip bin was organised to collect the rubbish once the fire had been put out, but due to the contamination, the entire load was sent to landfill.
It is believed materials from a resident’s recycling bin caused the truck to catch fire.
Melton mayor Bob Turner said the incident was incredibly dangerous and issued a stern reminder about the dangers of putting hazardous materials into residential waste bins.
“We urge all of our residents to be mindful of how they dispose of their waste, and only household recyclables should be put in the recycling bins,” Cr Turner said.
Contaminated recycling bins will not be collected, but hazardous household chemicals may be disposed of at an upcoming Detox Your Home event.
For further information visit: www.melton.vic.gov.au/detox-your-home
