Battery Disposal Warning After Landfill Fire
The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) confirms that a fire occurred early this morning of the George Town Landfill on the waste disposal side facing the Esterley Tibbetts Highway.
Fire Services responded promptly and were quickly on scene. The situation was contained in a timely manner, and there is currently no threat to the public safety.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the fire originated in an area of recently placed waste. “The initial reports are that the likely cause was a battery that had been improperly disposed of in the regular garbage”, explained DEH Assistant Director Solid Waste, Michael Haworth.
DEH teams are actively working alongside Fire Services to fully extinguish the affected area. Whilst there is no visible smoke from affecting the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, residents in nearby communities, particularly Lakeside and other downwind areas, may notice the odor.
This incident highlights the serious risks associated with improper battery disposal. Batteries – especially lithium-ion batteries commonly found in everyday household items – can ignite when damaged, crushed, or exposed to heat within waste piles.
DEH Director, Richard Simms emphasized the importance of proper disposal practices. “This incident is a clear reminder that batteries must never be placed in regular household garbage. When disposed of improperly, they can ignite and cause fires that put our staff, emergency responders, and nearby communities at risk Proper disposal of batteries will not only reduce the numbers of fires at the landfill but it will have a positive impact on the environment as many batteries contain corrosive materials and heavy metals threaten human health and the environment”, he said.
Batteries used in cellphones, cameras, pagers, two-way radios, calculators, small cordless tools, and other personal digital devices can be recycled by placing them into the Battery Recycling Collection Tubes located at all supermarkets and other locations.
Meanwhile, lead acid batteries such as those used in automobiles, boats, motorcycles and outdoor power equipment, and batteries used in hybrid and fully electronic vehicles should be taken to landfills, garages or any retailer that sells them.
The DEH thanks the Cayman Islands Fire Service for their swift response and their continuing attention. The public’s cooperation in practicing safe waste disposal is essential in preventing similar incidents.
For additional information, please contact the DEH at 949-6696, email us at dehcustomerservice@gov.ky, visit the DEH’s website at gov.ky/deh or message our Facebook page at https://bit.ly/3LEK55q
