These simple steps can help reduce the likelihood of your property or business being affected by arson or accidental rubbish fires: 

• Locate bins away from your building
• Lock bin lids when you’re not using them 
• Arrange to have waste collected weekly to reduce rubbish on site at weekends and during holiday periods 
• Keep rubbish bins and skips well away from outside walls  
• Remove any flammable materials located outside to safe storage where opportunists can’t access them 
• Store flammable waste in metal rubbish containers with self-closing lids 
• Keep flammable or dead vegetation away from buildings  
• Some flammable/hazardous products and materials need to be stored outside. Limit the pile size and keep them well away from buildings both inside and outside any boundary fences. 
• Don’t put lithium-ion batteries in the rubbish or leave discarded batteries in piles around your premises. Lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of properly and recycled where possible, so check with your local council. More information on lithium-ion batteries.
• Allocate safe designated smoking areas for staff or tenants.

Download Reducing rubbish fires for businesses flyer [PDF, 1 MB].

• • Install and maintain security lighting and surveillance equipment 
  • Install and maintain adequate perimeter fencing so you can lock and secure the property at night 
  • Limit public access to your building and yards 
  • Involve the community: ask neighbours to keep an eye on your property and alert the Police if they see any suspicious behaviour 
  • Be particularly alert during November and December. Fireworks, combined with the dry summer season, can often contribute to arson incidents.