Binned batteries lead to bin lorry fires

Binned batteries lead to bin lorry fires

Conwy County Borough Council is urging residents not to put batteries in their bin, following two recent bin lorry fires.

The recent incidents in Albert Drive, Deganwy and Bryn Marl, Llandudno involved quick thinking by the refuse crews when fires broke out in the back of the vehicles. Crew members emptying bins spotted the fires taking hold and called the Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters attended the scene promptly both times to put the fire out and followed the vehicle back to the waste depot. The waste was unloaded and given further attention by the firefighters, as these kinds of fires often reignite.

The vehicles were out of action while safety checks were carried out, to make sure they were fit to go back on the road.

Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in objects such as vapes, toys and electric toothbrushes, cause fires which are particularly difficult to tackle. They have a tendency to keep reigniting and can lead to explosions and chemical exposure, creating a danger to the public, refuse workers and firefighters.

“Batteries can become crushed or damaged in bin lorries or waste sites and cause fires. Often they are lithium-ion batteries, hidden inside everyday objects,” said Cllr Geoff Stewart, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and the Environment. “We offer a weekly battery recycling collection to residents, and our partners Crest collect small electrical items every fortnight. Please help keep our workers safe. It only takes a minute to recycle, it takes a lot longer to put out a fire caused by a misplaced battery.”

Pam Roberts, Fire Safety Watch Manager for Central Area at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “The average UK household has many rechargeable items that contain lithium-ion batteries such as laptops, mobile phones, e-scooters, e-cigarettes, and mobility vehicles. Each of these items has the potential to cause a serious fire, and so I urge the public to dispose of these items responsibly by utilising their local Council’s relevant battery and electrical waste collection services instead of throwing them away with their general waste.

“I praise the refuse crews involved in these incidents for their immediate action to phone the Fire and Rescue Service once they noticed a fire had broken out in their vehicles. Their quick response helped to ensure that these fires did not cause serious harm to themselves, their colleagues or members of the public. Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries develop very quickly and so always remember, in the event of a fire, don’t try and tackle it yourself – get out, stay out and call 999.”