E-waste likely to have sparked landfill fire
Published on 09 February 2026
Incorrect disposal of electronic waste may have sparked a landfill fire at Scenic Rim's Bromelton Waste Management Facility late last week.
The fire, on Friday night, was brought under control in the early hours of Saturday morning by crews from Beaudesert, Woodhill, Birnam and Yarrabilba but has prompted Scenic Rim Regional Council to remind residents of the need to correctly dispose of electronic waste.
Acting CEO Leo Jensen said the incident was a timely reminder to residents that placing the wrong items into kerbside bins or disposing of them at waste transfer stations can place people and property at risk.
"If you're throwing out an old mobile phone or electronic device with batteries, or just batteries themselves in the general waste, please think again," he said.
"As rubbish is compacted in the back of the collection truck or at the landfill, it only takes one spark to ignite a fire that can put our staff, emergency services responders and property in danger.
"It's hard to tell precisely what starts a fire, however in Australia and abroad a growing number of fires have been attributed to the disposal of lithium-ion batteries - like those in laptops or smart phones - in the general waste bin or at a waste facility.
"If you're disposing batteries and electronics we ask that you do it properly at designated locations at our waste facilities.
"Household chemicals, paints, batteries and gas cannisters can also be flammable and should also be disposed of at designated locations."
Further information about the proper disposal of these items is available from Council's customer service team on 5540 5111 during business hours or on Council's website scenicrim.qld.gov.au/Council-Services/Waste-and-Resource-Recovery/Waste-and-Resource-Recovery-Facilities/Waste-we-accept
There have been no disruptions to service at the Bromelton Waste Facility following the rapid response to the blaze by Council staff and fire services.
"Our operations team will monitor the waste cell over the coming days for any residual hot spots that may re-ignite," Mr Jensen said.