Lithium-ion batteries to blame for garbage truck, waste facility fires

Waste crews had to dump the garbage on to the street for fire crews to tackle the blaze. (Supplied: Bayside Council)

A fire that resulted in a garbage truck having to dump its load in a car park in southern Sydney has prompted calls for consumers to safely dispose of lithium batteries.

Firefighters say garbage truck fires caused by batteries are increasing, creating life-threatening situations for truck drivers and workers at waste facilities.