Residents urged to never bin their batteries – after fire in bin lorry
Thursday, April 18, 2024
We've praised a quick-thinking bin-crew for their actions in dealing with a batteries fire in the back of a bin wagon.
The team were emptying household bins in the Kettlethorpe area when the incident happened.
They took immediate action and called West Yorkshire Fire Service who dealt with the incident. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
"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.
“Lithium-ion batteries are used in cordless appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, drills, e-scooters, and also vapes. These are the most dangerous type of batteries for causing a fire risk, so we ask people to never put them in their household bin.
“Please recycle items responsibly and help keep others safe.”
Mark Lynam
Corporate Director for Regeneration, Environment and Economic Growth at Wakefield Council
For more details, including where small electrical items can be recycled, see: Never Bin Batteries