As we approach the festive season and summer heat, Benalla Rural City residents are reminded to correctly dispose of batteries and e-waste.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn urged residents to remember that batteries should never be disposed of in landfill.
"With the rise in e-waste, power tools, and kids' toys during Christmas, it's essential to dispose of batteries correctly and safely," Cr Hearn said.
"Improper disposal of batteries in landfill is extremely dangerous. Batteries can cause fires during transportation or while being processed at the landfill. When exposed to air, these batteries can ignite, causing a serious risk to the safety of landfill staff, contractors, and the community. Extreme summer temperatures can also increase the fire risk."
Cr Hearn said the correct procedure to dispose of batteries is to take them to a designated recycling point, such as the Benalla Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.
"We have specific e-waste cages available for the disposal of e-waste materials. If you're coming with other items, we recommend you separate your waste first," Cr Hearn said.
"Electronic waste cannot be disposed of in a red-lid bin as both the hazardous and valuable materials that can be recovered when e-waste items reach the end of their working life are required to be diverted from landfill."
E-waste includes all items with a plug, battery or power cord such as televisions, computers, mobile phones, kitchen appliances, white goods, many children's toys and more.
Cr Hearn thanked the community for being mindful this holiday season, working together to protect the environment and resident safety.
For further information on e-waste disposal, visit www.benalla.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5760 2600.
