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City of Gosnells says waste trucks have caught fire from items placed in bins

Francis CurroComment News

THE City of Gosnells says several waste trucks have caught on fire due to the hazardous materials that have been dumped in rubbish bins.

The City began a process at last week’s council meeting to pass new waste laws that would allow it to fine residents for having a smelly bin.

Concerns have been raised by the City as residents have been placing inappropriate items in rubbish bins including gas bottles and asbestos.

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Hazardous material collected from rubbish bins has led to several fires in the City’s waste trucks over the past few years, putting lives and trucks at risk.

Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie said the City was looking at the laws to help residents dispose of rubbish responsibly.

“We have a procedure in place which enables the truck drivers to provide people with a notice when they have placed items which are entirely inappropriate in their bins,” he said.

“About 20 per cent of community effort in recycling is currently wasted because some people put inappropriate items in recycling bins, such as oils.

“These cause significant economic and environmental costs to the community, specifically to those trying to do the right thing,”

In the 2015-16 financial year, the City collected approximately 3.5 million bins. These contained almost 40,000 tonnes of general waste and almost 9000 tonnes of recyclables.

Residents with a missing or damaged bin can contact the City to repair or replace the bin at no charge.

Residents of the city can make submissions on the proposed new laws by emailing council@gosnells.wa.gov.au.