A quick-thinking local garbo managed to avert disaster on Tuesday, July 14 after a fire erupted in the back of an Campaspe Shire waste truck in Echuca.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
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In a statement to The Riv, council director of infrastructure and environment Kate Lemon commended the driver for quickly dumping the truck's contents before the fire could spread, and praised the CFA for bringing the blaze under control so swiftly.
“Council would like to sincerely thank the waste collection driver for their quick thinking and professionalism, along with the CFA volunteers and emergency services personnel whose prompt response helped manage the incident safely,” she said.
“We are grateful that no injuries were reported and that the fire was contained quickly.”
Council is working with the kerbside collection contractor and relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire, which resulted in only minor damage to the truck.
While she wouldn’t speculate on what caused the fire while investigations were under way, Ms Lemon underpinned the importance of disposing of batteries and battery-powered devices correctly.
Incorrectly disposing of batteries is one of the leading causes of waste and recycling fires across Australia — with firefighters responding to an estimated 30 battery-related fires every single day, according to a report by Calleja Group.
Ms Lemon pointed to the Kyabram fire in November 2024 as a stark example of how rapidly these incidents could escalate — a concern that grows more pressing as summer approaches.
“(Tuesday’s) incident serves as an important reminder that everyone has a role to play in keeping our community safe,” she said.
“While investigations are ongoing, one thing remains clear: batteries do not belong in household bins.”
Campaspe library’s Karen Teskera demonstrating the newly installed e-waste hubs at the Echuca and Kyabram libraries, alongside the blue battery bin, which are at all council service centres and libraries.
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Supplied
Campaspe Shire has expanded its battery recycling network, recently installing dedicated battery and mobile phone drop-off points at council customer service centres and libraries, while also upgrading e-waste facilities at resource recovery centres.
“We encourage residents to take a moment before placing an item in the bin and ask themselves whether it contains a battery,” Ms Lemon said.
“If you're unsure how to dispose of something safely, check Recycle Mate or contact council for advice.
“A few extra seconds can help prevent fires and protect our community, workers and waste facilities.”
To find your nearest free battery drop-off point or to check what items are banned from household bins, visit campaspe.vic.gov.au/waste
