Fires at Kamloops recycling plant prompt reminder about proper battery disposal

KAMLOOPS — Three fires at a local recycling plant have city officials reminding Kamloops residents of items they should and should not throw into their recycling bins.

The fires have ignited over the past few weeks at Emterra Environmental in Valleyview, a contractor that accepts recyclables delivered by City of Kamloops trucks.

In a news release distributed Wednesday (March 12), Emterra plant manager Tolly Anto said batteries have no place in curbside recycle bins.

“Batteries and electronics are a fire hazard in curbside recycling,” said Anto. “Recently, batteries started smouldering at our recycling facility, posing a significant safety risk to our team and our community and potential loss of assets. Fortunately, staff were able to identify and remove the batteries before serious damage occurred, but it’s a dangerous situation that happens much too often.”

The city says even small batteries such as those contained in electronics can pose a risk.

For more information on disposing of household hazardous waste items, visit this site.