Wakefield: Battery bin fire sparks recycling reminder

BBC
·1-min read
Bin lorry - generic
Refuse collectors spotted the fire in the lorry on Wednesday (library image) [Getty Images]

People have been reminded not to throw their used batteries in the bin after a fire broke out in a dustbin lorry in West Yorkshire.

Refuse collectors were emptying bins in Kettlethorpe, Wakefield, on Wednesday when a fire began in the back of the vehicle.

Wakefield Council said the team called the fire service who dealt with the incident and no-one was injured.

Lithium-ion batteries should always be recycled, said a spokesperson.

The household batteries are used in cordless appliances such as vacuum cleaners, drills, e-scooters, and vapes, but if crushed during processing they can cause a fire.

Mark Lynam, from the council, said: "Thanks to the speedy actions of our crew and the fire service no-one was injured, but it could have been a very different story.

"When rubbish is processed it gets crushed. If a battery gets damaged it can cause a fire, either in a bin wagon or at the waste treatment facilities, putting others at risk."

He said lithium-ion batteries were the most dangerous battery for causing fires.

"Please recycle items responsibly and help keep others safe," he said.

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