Reckless rubbish causes fire at Longue Hougue

Tuesday 20 August 2019

Following a small fire at the new Waste Transfer Station, States Works is reminding locals to take care in disposing of potentially dangerous items.

The fire, which was dealt with last week, is thought to have been caused by a flare which was thrown away with general rubbish.

It ignited when the bags were put through the shredder in the initial stage of processing.

Although the flame was quickly extinguished by the automated fire suppression system fitted to the fixed plant, Guernsey Fire & Rescue still had to attend to make sure it was completely safe.

Overall, processing operations had to be halted for 45 minutes.

Pictured: Guernsey Waste.

"Flares pose a clear and obvious danger, both to our staff and to the equipment, so it is really disappointing someone has not disposed of it correctly," said Waste Services Manager, Joe Adams. "In a sense, we are fortunate that it ignited in the shredder, where it was quite contained. It could just as easily have gone off in the back of the collection vehicle, or in the main hall of the transfer station, which could have caused considerable damage and risk of injury."

Other items that pose a potential risk include batteries, gas canisters and aerosols, as well as hazardous materials like asbestos.

"Our primary concern is for the safety of the staff operating station, as well as the protection of public health and the environment," Mr Adams continued. "It is also important to ensure any potentially costly repairs or processing downtime is avoided so the new transfer station can operate efficiently."

Electrical items and large metal objects can also damage machinery when disposed of in general waste. They should instead be taken to the Household Waste & Recycling Centre at Longue Hougue, where they can be dropped off for free.

Pictured: Each household was sent a leaflet explaining the new waste system last year.

Flares can be disposed of at AB Marine, the Harbour Office or the Police Station. States Works offers a free collection service, which can be arranged by calling 242263 or by emailing hazardouswaste@gov.gg.

Meanwhile, lithium batteries which are found in mobile phones, watches, calculators, e-cigarettes, tablets, laptops and digital cameras can be taken to the HWRC. Old phones can be recycled locally through Sure and JT or alternatively via online phone recycling companies.

Household batteries can be recycled at HWRC, Waitrose, Co-op Grand Marche stores, Aladdin's Cave and all States schools.

Items like metal poles, pipes, car parts and kitchen knives should be dispose of at the Household Waste and Recycling Centre.

Materials containing asbestos must be thrown away at the Mont Cuet Landfill site.

Pictured top: File image of the new waste transfer station in operation.