Public warned after discarded batteries spark fires

Firefighters have had to put out two fires caused by batteries that had been disposed of incorrectly in recent weeks.

One blaze broke out in March at Taunton Recycling Centre in Somerset and the other began in a vehicle being driven by a waste collection crew.

Somerset Council has urged householders not to put batteries or vapes in bins. Instead, they should be left in clear plastic bags and placed on top of home recycling bins so crews can spot them easily.

Matthew Canning from Suez, the company that holds the contract for recycling in Somerset, said "far too many dangerous items" were ending up in the wrong places, putting staff at risk of fatal injuries.

Damaged batteries can simply combust, which results in fires in trucks and site machinery.

On 30 March, at the Suez-run Taunton Recycling Centre, staff responded to a fire in a skip.

They had to use a forklift truck to move it into the open so that fire crews could deal with it safely.

On 9 May, a Suez collection crew noticed smoke coming from the rear of their vehicle.

After calling emergency services, they safely tipped the burning load onto the roadside, where it was extinguished and cleared.

Canning also warned that some items should not be put out for recycling collection at all – such as gas canisters.

These can explode under pressure but are sometimes collected if mistaken for aerosol cans.

Householders should instead take them directly to recycling centres.

Somerset councillor Federica Smith-Roberts said: "Fires caused by misplaced batteries, vapes and gas canisters put people, vehicles and recycling facilities at real risk.

"We're asking residents to please take extra care and follow the guidance on our website, so these items are disposed of safely and correctly."

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