What's Behind the Recent Surge in Rubbish Truck Fires in Auckland?
According to Auckland Council, at least two fires occurred at the region's recycling centre each week, with the most common cause being battery-powered items and batteries disposed of wrongly.
Five waste and recycling truck fires broke out in the first two weeks of 2025 alone.
According to Waste Solutions general manager Justine Haves, individuals should recognize that dumping e-waste in kerbside bins creates a fire threat.
"Electronic gadgets and batteries can be recycled in most circumstances, but they contain hazardous compounds that necessitate specialized management.
Damaged or crushed lithium-ion batteries may fire during the garbage collection procedure.
Haves encouraged people to use takeback and drop-off programs offered by businesses and neighbourhood recycling centres.
"Making use of battery and e-waste drop-off options helps keep you and our staff safe, keeps harmful materials out of the environment, and helps us recover and reuse valuable resources."
In December 2024, the council reported that around 600 computers and over 300 12-volt batteries arrived at Auckland's recycling plant, indicating a pre-Christmas dump by Aucklanders.
It stated that batteries were not the only fire hazards stored in bins.
In January, recycling truck drivers uncovered a half-full 40kg LPG bottle and a partially full petrol jerry can.
In the last six months, the Auckland recycling centre has discovered almost 300 LPG bottles and gas canisters.
To reduce the risk of rubbish truck fires, the council's waste solutions team was testing an early warning system for truck drivers who experienced a fire, as well as methods for extinguishing a fire within a truck.
If drivers observed a fire emanating from their vehicle, they were supposed to alert their supervisor, who then contacted Fire and Emergency before finding a safe, clean place to discharge their load.
The council stated that the new technique would lessen the risk of environmental contamination when the load was dumped out for Fire & Emergency responders to extinguish.
Proper Ways to Dispose of Hazardous Materials
- Mitre 10 and Bunnings have battery drop-off programs.
- Retailers frequently provide takeback schemes for used battery-powered products that they have sold. Some large merchants, such as Noel Leeming, allow you to bring in things that were not sold. Check the retailer's websites to see what they accept and which stores participate.
- Many community recycling centres provide e-waste recycling.
- Gas bottles and canisters can be returned to a community recycling centre or a MataGas outlet if they are empty of gas. Some New Zealand camping businesses sell a gadget that allows canisters to be completely emptied before dropping them off at a recycling facility.
- The Auckland Council website lists sites to recycle or dispose of various things.