Latest news with #hazardousWaste
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
Man faces massive fine after authorities uncover illegal actions in protected park: 'We take a zero-tolerance approach'
Authorities in Australia didn't hesitate to impose a fine on a man for illegally dumping hazardous waste in a protected park. The Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation reported that a man had been spotted on cameras driving a vehicle into the Townsville Town Common Conservation Park with a full trunk and leaving with an empty one, tipping them off that he had likely dumped materials. Rangers ended up discovering the waste he left behind, which included an air conditioner unit, empty boxes, and other waste. The man admitted he dumped the trash and cleaned it up, but was still given a $2,580 fine. "We take a zero-tolerance approach to illegal dumping, and we investigate every report we receive," Jackie McKeay, executive director of waste and enforcement, said in a statement. She added: "Unlawfully dumping waste is a pollution risk and a fire hazard, and it can harm our native animals." The department reminded residents that there are systems in place to report illegal dumping. Air conditioners fall into the e-waste category because they contain refrigerants and other chemicals that need to be disposed of properly, because those hazardous substances can seep into the environment and cause issues for plants, animals, and humans. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that older window air conditioner units often contain chlorofluorocarbons, which damage the ozone layer and contribute to planet-warming gases that impact the climate. That can contribute to a vicious cycle of additional air conditioner use, which also uses lots of energy, creating more extreme and frequent weather events like heat waves and droughts, with far-reaching implications for the globe. Unfortunately, improper disposal of e-waste is a worldwide issue, with the World Health Organization reporting that only 22.3% of e-waste was documented as formally recycled in 2022. That's why it's important to properly recycle air conditioners and other electronics to limit the exposure and impact, following governmental guidelines on disposal and reporting those who violate them. Should the government ban gas stoves? Yes Only in new buildings Only in restaurants No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
BBC News
03-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Fire-risk warning over hazardous waste after skip blaze
Islanders have been reminded of the dangers of disposing of hazardous items such as flares, gas canisters or lithium batteries. The States of Guernsey said this came after a fire in one of the skips at the Household Waste & Recycling Centre on Saturday afternoon. The facility was evacuated of people and remained closed for the rest of the day while the fire was put out and the site was cleaned said although the item that caused the fire could not be identified, it was thought to have been caused by a flare or different flammable item. Sarah Robinson, Guernsey Waste's operations manager, said no-one was injured due to the quick reaction of the team on site. She added the fire could have been easily avoided and whoever dropped off the item was lucky it did not ignite in their Waste said its Check B4 U Chuck campaign highlighted a range of hazardous items that islanders needed to take care of when disposing of flares, batteries and gas canisters, it included vapes and general electrical items, many of which contain batteries. "These should never be put with general waste or in recycling, and this weekend's incident is a perfect illustration of why not," Ms Robinson said. 'Check before you chuck' The campaign slogan is: "Check before you chuck, don't leave it to luck."Ms Robinson said: "Since we launched the Check B4 U Chuck campaign we have seen the safe return of hundreds of out-of-date flares, which is brilliant."She added however there were still a number of fire incidents in the machinery at the waste transfer station which were caused by either a discarded flare, a lithium battery, or a different item."Our aim is to eliminate the disposal of these items in the wrong way, which is in general waste or recycling streams altogether," she said. States of Guernsey said many hazardous items could be taken to the Household Waste & Recycling Centre, where they can be left with staff for safe disposal free of charge. Non-lithium batteries could also be recycled free of charge at Waitrose, Co-op Grand Marche St Martin's Store, Aladdin's Cave, and at all schools.
BBC News
03-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Warnings about flammable waste after bin lorry fire in Eastleigh
Residents have been warned to correctly dispose of potentially flammable waste after a fire broke out in the back of a bin Fire and Rescue Service believed the blaze, which started around 08:15 BST in Horton Heath, Eastleigh was caused by peroxide hair dye which overheated and fire was extinguished quickly and nobody was hurt but the lorry was returned to the Hedge End depot where it was tipped, according to Eastleigh Borough local authority has advised people to take chemicals like peroxide to a Hazardous Waste Recycling Centre, which can be found in Netley, Segensworth, Winchester and Southampton. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gulf County hosts Waste Amnesty Day
GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Gulf County residents had the opportunity to dispose of special collection items on Saturday. BCC Waste Solutions hosted a Waste Amnesty Day in Gulf County on Saturday. It allows residents to safely dispose of trash and reduce illegal dumping. Trash men spent the day at the Gulf County Courthouse collecting hazardous materials. Like paint, household cleaners, batteries, automotive fluids, pesticides, and mercury are accepted. However, trash men say there are certain items that they do not accept. 'We don't take things like propane tanks cause we cost is exploding, and we don't take anything like tires and stuff because that, of course, that got to go to landfill,' Trashman Henry Bill said. 'The majority is paint, used oil, any cleaning chemicals, and stuff like that. No tires, no tires, no tires,' Trashman Cameron Cole said. BCC Waste Solutions will take the items to a landfill. They say they collected more items this year than they did last year. Gulf County will host Waste Amnesty Day again in the fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
