Serious bin lorry fire prompts barbecue warning

Residents have been warned not to put hot ashes or warm disposable barbecues in their black or green bins after a serious bin lorry fire in Wychavon.

It comes after a crew were forced to abandon their collection round and dump recycling waste on to the road so the flames could be tackled.

Councillor Emma Stokes also warned people about how they dispose of batteries, vapes, gas cylinders and other electrical items.

Stokes, Wychavon council's executive board member for Resources, Investment and Innovation, said: "These items may look harmless, but if they are put in the bin, they can create a real danger for our crews and the people working at recycling facilities."

She added: "Please take a moment to check where these items should go and use the correct disposal route.

"Doing the right thing helps protect staff, vehicles, local services and the wider community."

Batteries

• Batteries can be put out on the same day as black rubbish bins and will be collected by the crews for recycling.
• They should also be put in a clear sandwich bag or similar so the crews can see what it is and put it on top of the bin.
• There are also battery recycling points at supermarkets, shops or household recycling centres.
• Where possible, remove batteries from items before recycling them separately.

Electrical items

• Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be placed on the black rubbish bin and will be collected by the crews.
• There are also other ways including returned through retailer take-back schemes, donated if reusable, or taken to a household recycling centre.

Vapes

• These can be put out in the same bag as batteries or taken to retailers that sell them.
• All of Worcestershire household recycling centres also have vape recycling points at them.

Disposable barbecues

• Allow them to cool completely, then dispose of them safely in your black rubbish bin.
• They should not be placed in recycling bins.

Gas cylinders and canisters

• Return them to the supplier where possible or take them to a household recycling centre that accepts them.
• They must not be placed in household waste or recycling bins because they can explode if crushed.

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