A series of chemical fires at recycling plants throughout the province has led to the city of Kamloops reminding people to dispose of hazardous items properly.
Environmental Services Supervisor Allan Michener says that includes things like batteries, paint, propane cylinders, and in once instance, a live bullet.
“That was a bit of a surprise. It’s one of those situations where we don’t think there was any malicious intent. It could be a case where someone looks at a bullet and goes, ‘well, its metal, and metal is recyclable’,” he said.
“It is no different than we’ve seen with propane tanks and aerosol cans where there is still flammable content or explosive content in them.”
Michener says none of the recycling plant fires were in Kamloops, and he doesn’t think any of the fires were started intentionally.
“It’s just from a lack of awareness and not a proper understanding of the potential hazard and the risk of a fire with the improper disposal of things like batteries,” he added. “What we try to do every year is remind people of the inherent risks of those materials.”
The city’s recycling is audited on a regular basis and last year hazardous materials were found in nearly half of the audited samples. Michener says that prompted city staff to ensure that people know where to take hazardous waste so it can be properly disposed of.
“Hazardous materials are a major safety concern when placed in garbage and recycling collection containers,” Michener said. They needlessly put City staff and the workers in the recycling and landfill industry at risk.”
Along with an educational campaign, the city is hosting a free household hazardous waste round up event in partnership with the TNRD next Saturday, October 3 near the Mission Flats landfill.
“People can bring residential quantities of various chemicals, cleaners, solvents, fuels – anything like that and dispose of them safely and for free,” noted Michener.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, people will have to stay in their vehicles and are being asked to ensure that their waste is easily accessible in the truck of their vehicle.
