A major fire that erupted at a regional waste facility more than a week ago continues to burn, with authorities warning the blaze remains active and the site will stay closed for days.
Firefighters battle persistent blaze
Emergency services were first called to the Singleton Waste Management Facility on December 30 after reports a significant fire had broken out and spread to nearby bushland. Multiple crews from the Rural Fire Service worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon and into the night to contain the flames, with helicopters drafted in to dump water from above.
While the immediate threat to surrounding bushland has been contained, Singleton Council confirmed on January 6 that the fire within the tip face was still smouldering. The facility has been handed back to council staff, who are now engaged in a slow and careful process to fully extinguish the deep-seated fire.
Closure and community impact
The council has stated the waste management facility will remain closed while firefighting and remedial works continue. The earliest potential reopening date is Saturday, January 10, but this is dependent on site safety and the establishment of a new tip face location.
"Staff are maintaining 24-hour supervision of the site until the fire is completely extinguished," a council statement said. Teams are moving large volumes of dirt to cover and smother the burning waste, a process described as making "good progress."
Residents in Singleton and surrounding areas have been advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution due to smoke, though operations are being managed in line with environmental regulations. Regular kerbside waste collections are continuing, and residents can use waste facilities in neighbouring council areas in the interim.
A critical reminder on hazardous waste
Singleton Council has used the incident to issue a stark warning to the community about what should never be placed in household kerbside bins. The council explicitly stated that items like batteries, electrical waste, gas bottles, chemicals, and solvents must be kept out of red and yellow bins.
These hazardous materials are believed to be a common cause of fires at waste facilities. The council reminded residents that these items can be disposed of for free at the Community Recycling Centre located within the Waste Management Facility – once it reopens – or through other approved local businesses.
Singleton Council thanked the community for its patience while staff and emergency services continue to manage the complex incident, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure the site is safe.
