Quick thinking from a driver and a prompt response from Picton Volunteer Fire Brigade (FENZ) meant a fire in a rubbish truck yesterday was caught early.

But it has prompted a warning to residents to ensure nothing flammable – including ashes, batteries and butane gas cylinders – is put out in wheelie bins.

A serious fire was averted as the driver followed procedure when he noticed smoke and offloaded the waste into the car park of the Picton Cemetery.

The quick response from FENZ prevented the fire from spreading and causing more damage.

Council's Solid Waste Manager Mark Lucas said ashes retained heat for days and could start fires in household rubbish bins, rubbish trucks, transfer stations and landfills.

“You should safely dispose of ashes by emptying into a metal bin, pouring water over them and leaving for five days to cool,” he said. “It is important that only cold ashes go in the red rubbish bin.”

An alternative way of disposing of ashes from chemical-free firewood is in the garden as they can be a great source of nutrients for the garden, containing potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. It is also alkaline so can make your soil less acidic.

Butane cannisters, gas bottles and helium cylinders should not be put in any kerbside bins as they can cause fires.

“These can all be safely recycled at the Hazardous Waste Centre or at the regional transfer stations in the hazardous waste section,” Mr Lucas said.

“Batteries also pose a huge fire risk and can’t be disposed of as general waste in your kerbside bin or any transfer station.”

Larger batteries such as car batteries can go to the Hazardous Waste Centre.

For a full list of small battery drop off locations go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/recycling-and-waste/hazardous-waste/dry-cell-and-small-batteries

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