Investigation released into fire at Hume recycling facility

What was the cause of the fire?

The investigation revealed that the presence of multiple batteries of varying types, identified in the remains of the waste compacter, caused a thermal runaway which ignited the fire. The ACT Fire & Rescue report specifically listed lithium batteries. Lithium is found in many household batteries such as non-rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, and in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in devices like laptops, mobile phones, and cameras.

Where can I drop-off my batteries?

There are a number of free battery drop-off options in the ACT as part of Australia's nationwide, government-backed battery stewardship scheme, B-cycle. Batteries, including those containing lithium ion, can be dropped off at free B-cycle drop-off points in the ACT for recycling. We encourage Canberrans to check B-cycle’s website to see what batteries, including those containing lithium ion, can be dropped off at B-cycle return points in the ACT. B-cycle drop-off locations include major supermarkets, hardware stores and battery retailers. As the B-cycle scheme scales up, we also encourage residents to phone ahead to drop-off locations in the ACT to confirm these locations accept your battery type.

Before taking batteries to a drop-off location, seal the ends of each battery with tape. This minimises the risk of batteries sparking or interacting with other batteries.

If the B-cycle drop-off points can’t take your battery, the Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre or Mitchell Resource Management Centre will accept batteries for free at their hazardous waste area. These batteries will be recycled.

What is happening with the recyclable material at the facility?

Since the fire at the Materials Recovery Facility in Hume, the ACT Government has been transporting our region’s recycling to three facilities in Western Sydney and one in Victoria. Around 229 tonnes per day is being transported, which is an average of nine trucks per day.

Was any recyclable material landfilled?

The stockpile of recycling material following the fire has now been entirely cleared from Mugga Resource Management Centre with 6550 tonnes recovered and only 60 tonnes of spoil being sent to landfill.

When will a new Material Recovery Facility (MRF) be built?

Building a new facility will take time. There are multiple phases to be considered, such as procurement, design, planning and development approvals. This will include an Environmental Impact Statement, construction, ordering of new equipment and implementation of new technologies and modern processing techniques. Further information on the timeframes for building a new MRF will be provided in the coming weeks.

What happens to my yellow-lid recycling bin?

Residential recycling is continuing as normal. Residents are asked to keep putting their yellow-lid recycling bins out for collection and view the information available online if they need a reminder on what can go into their recycling bin.

What will happen with the operation of the recycling drop-off centres?

Recycling drop-off centres are continuing to operate as normal, and residents are able to access the centres in Belconnen, Gungahlin, Mitchell, Phillip and Tuggeranong to drop-off paper and cardboard, bottles, cans and plastic.

What will happen with the operation of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS)?

All Container Deposit Scheme collection points are operating as normal, and residents can return their eligible containers to get a 10-cent refund for each. For locations, please visit the ACT CDS website.