Hidden Danger in Your Bin? Fire Sparks Warning Over Battery Disposal

Collection lorry catches fire in Cornwall

Cornwall residents are being warned not to throw batteries in the bin after a fire broke out on a rubbish collection lorry.

The fire, which started after a battery ignited inside the load, was spotted by the crew who acted quickly to stop it from spreading. They used fire extinguishers to control the blaze before Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service arrived.

Firefighters escorted the lorry to the waste transfer station, where the rubbish was tipped and extinguished using fire jets to make sure it was fully out.

Old batteries and devices to blame

An old mobile phone and a power tool battery were found in the waste and have been confirmed as the cause of the fire. Even small button batteries and ‘dead’ batteries can catch fire when crushed during the collection process or at waste sites.

Nick Seviour, Senior Business Manager at Biffa, which is contracted by Cornwall Council to handle rubbish and recycling, praised the crew’s actions.

He said: “The crew stayed calm and acted quickly to prevent this incident from escalating. Thanks to their actions, the fire was contained and fortunately no one was hurt.

“We often see batteries in rubbish. I hope this acts a reminder to people to check what they’re putting in the bin and do their bit to keep the crews safe.”

“Never bin your batteries”

Esther O’Bearagh, Waste and Recycling Community Engagement Team Leader at Cornwall Council, reminded people that anything with lights or sound is likely to contain a battery.

She said: “The message is simple – never bin your batteries. We don’t want anyone to get hurt.

“Remember anything with lights or sound, even small items such as keyrings, musical cards and toys, will contain a battery of some kind.

“If you can’t remove the battery from an item, please take it to your local Household Waste and Recycling Centre so the parts can be recycled safely.”

Where to safely dispose of batteries

Batteries can be recycled at most supermarkets and at Cornwall’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs).