THE company behind recycling in four Hunter council areas is calling for vigilance from residents after three fires in three months.
Hunter Resource Recovery says it has encountered problems with domestic recycling from Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Singleton.
"The incorrect disposal of batteries and chemicals can have disastrous consequences," chief executive Roger Lewis said.
A driver for contractor Solo Resource Recovery noticed on Wednesday his load caught fire between Maitland and Gateshead, forcing him to dump at Hexham to save his vehicle. Firefighters extinguished the blaze.
It comes after a similar truck fire at Jesmond and a fire at Solo's Gateshead facility, and a truck destroyed in Perth this week after a similar blaze.
"Had these fires not been detected early we may have lost buildings and equipment," Mr Lewis said. "We need to ensure the safety of all staff as well as the environment. We need the community to help us."
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