Residents urged to properly dispose of electronic waste and batteries

Published on 03 May 2024

Our community is being urged to correctly dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) and batteries after four waste fires in Mildura over the last six months.

Electronic waste and batteries cannot be disposed of through kerbside or skip bins. Instead, locals are urged to take electronic items to the Mildura Landfill and our rural transfer stations.

Batteries can also be recycled at Mildura Landfill or through various participating businesses such as Bunnings, Officeworks and some supermarkets.

E-waste and batteries also pose a fire risk, with four waste fires reported through kerbside collections and waste disposal at Mildura Landfill in the past six months.

“The Victorian Government has banned e-waste from going to landfill. This is because some e-waste items, including batteries, contain toxic substances harmful to you, your family and the environment,” Councillor for Environmental and Sustainability Jason Modica said.

“Our friendly staff know which items are e-waste and can direct you to the right disposal area. There are also other locations at local businesses where you can drop off batteries.”

Cr Modica said batteries can cause fires in your bin or the trucks that collect them.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had a few incidents at the Mildura Landfill where the emergency services have been forced to attend and extinguish fires caused by incorrectly disposed e-waste and batteries,” Cr Modica said.

“If it’s got a plug, battery or cord and is unwanted, it’s e-waste, and shouldn’t be placed in any of your kerbside bins.”

Cr Modica said that when you consider what is inside e-waste, and that it can be recovered and made into something else, it makes perfect sense to recycle these items.

Find out more how at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/waste

ENDS