Bushfire Recovery Shoalhaven

METAL

Small burnt metal items such as metal gates, metal clothes lines, metal posts can be deposited at your nearest Waste Transfer Station.

CHEMICALS

Chemicals and chemical containers with no labels, or the chemical is unidentified, can be dropped off as part of the ToxFree Household Chemical program. Toxfree will require information on how and where the unlabelled chemicals were stored. Provide this information on delivery to assist them with disposal options. Contact us on 4429 3111 for further information and take due care when handling containers with unknown chemical contents.

CAR BATTERIES

Car and other acid-based batteries can be deposited at your local Council Waste Transfer Station. Burnt batteries may be prone to leaking the internal acid. Take due care when handling car batteries. Wear appropriate clothing and gloves to protect the skin.

VEHICLES, CARAVANS AND FARM MACHINERY

Burnt out vehicles, caravans or farm machinery can be disposed of by registering for waste metal collection. Contact us on 4429 3111 for further information on collection.

GREEN WASTE

Burnt trees or vegetation requiring removal from properties must be coordinated through your insurance company or self-managed through delivery to your local Waste Transfer Station.

TREATED TIMBERS

Treated timbers such as ‘copper logs’ may need waste reclassification. If treated timbers and ash are present on your property contact our waste section on 4429 3111.

FOOD WASTE

There may be food waste as a result of electricity outages. Food waste is to be disposed of in the same manner as usual. If the quantity of food waste is significant, contact our Environmental Health team for more information on 4429 3111.

WHITE GOODS, ELECTRICAL AND E-WASTE ITEMS

This type of waste can be effectively recycled and it is recommended that it is deposited at your local Waste Transfer Station. White goods, electrical items or E-waste may form part of the bulk metal waste collection where other large metal items are involved. All fridges are to be degassed prior to collection or delivery to waste transfer station.

Are fire damaged solar panels dangerous to my health?

Solar Photovoltaic (PV), or solar panels, are manufactured using hazardous materials, such as toxic metals, sulfuric acid and phosphine gas.

They should be handled and disposed of with appropriate precautions and protective equipment for the hazardous material.

While the sun is out, your solar PV system is generating electricity. Always treat the system and associated wires as live.

Can my solar panels be recycled?

No. There is no current recycling process available for fire damaged solar panels.

Can I just dispose of the damaged panels on my property?

No. They cannot be dumped on property or stored in landfills without protections against contamination. The toxic metals and chemicals that are in the panels can leak out into soil and ground water supplies.

What should I do when I return to my property?

If you followed the shutdown procedure prior to departing your property DO NOT attempt to turn the system back on until checked by an electrician and determined as safe.

If you did not turn off the system prior to departing the property take care with PV equipment or structures which may have fire damage. Even if the network supply is disrupted or switched off the equipment and associated wiring may still be live.

• Stay away from the solar panels and wiring until assessed as safe;

• Contact a licensed electrician to check the system and declare it safe;

• If the system has a battery bank disconnect the battery cells following the providers disconnection advice. Only do this if it is safe to do so.

Can I clean up around the solar panels prior to them being declared safe?

It is recommended that any clean-up work around solar panels is not done until it has been declared safe by a licensed electrician.

Even if the network supply is turned off, PV systems and associated wiring may still be live; systems will continue to produce voltage during the day.

For further information:

Check your local council’s website for more information on recovery and the collection and disposal of waste on your property.

This information aims to assist property owners with post-impact advice related to Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders that have been damaged or potentially damaged by fire.

What type of gas cylinders does this advice relate to?

This advice is for LPG cylinders used for domestic or small business gas supply. The types of cylinders come in different weight sizes:

· 9kg cylinders (primarily used for camping barbeques and outdoor heating)

· 45kg, 90kg or 210kg cylinders (home or small business supply)

What should I do when I return to my property?

· Turn off all supply valves and appliances. Ensure it is safe to do so.

· Do not attempt to start any LPG appliance, or turn supply back on, until the bottle and installation parts is checked by a gasfitter.

· If cylinders have fallen or are upturned, do not attempt to move them, and contact your gas supplier.

· If you can see or smell LPG

- Turn cylinders off (if safe to do so)

- Call your gas supplier or a licensed gasfitter

- Stay well clear of the cylinders and keep any sources of ignition away.

I own my gas cylinders

If you own the gas cylinders and installation and they are fire damaged, you should have them checked by a gasfitter prior to any consideration to reconnect and use the gas.

You may need to purchase new cylinders and have the gas installation reinstalled.

How can I tell if my gas bottle is damaged?

Damage to the gas bottle and associated installation items can be caused directly from fire attack, falling objects or indirectly from the fires radiant heat. Even if the cylinder and installation appear undamaged there may still be damage that can contribute to unsafe operation or cause leaks.

Inspect the cylinder closely after making it safe. If a cylinder is exposed to a fire, it is likely showing signs of soot deposit or paint burning. This may indicate that the steel may also be damaged. The cylinder will need to be removed from service. Any damage to the cylinder, such as dents and gouges, will affect the cylinder’s integrity.

Remember, if the cylinder has fallen over or upturned it may be damaged – do not attempt to move it.

Contact your supplier or a gasfitter if you are concerned.

What if the gas bottle does not look fire damaged?

Even if LPG vessels appear to be undamaged, there may be damage to components that is not obvious but can affect safe operation or cause leaks.

If in doubt call your gas supplier.

What do I do with damaged gas cylinders?

Damage gas cylinders, provided by a gas supplier, will be replaced by the supplier.

Insured properties that own the gas cylinders may have replacement included in the insurance cover.

Where do I find a gas fitter to check my gas installation?

Gas fitters can be found on the internet or through your local business contact directory.

If your cylinders come from a gas provider contact them for further advice.

For further information:

For specific information about gas cylinders visit a gas provider’s website.