A recent rise in bin lorry fires across the east Midlands has alarmed local councils, urging citizens to dispose of batteries properly.
- Cambridge City Council reports seven lorry fires this year, attributing them to improper battery disposal.
- Fenland District Council highlights a significant fire incident involving four tonnes of material due to battery negligence.
- North Northamptonshire Council reveals that quick action prevented potential fires caused by battery mishandling.
- Authorities stress the importance of not placing batteries in household waste bins to prevent dangerous incidents.
In recent months, there has been a concerning spate of fires breaking out in bin lorries across the east Midlands. This alarming trend has prompted local councils, including Cambridge City Council (CCC), Fenland District Council (FDC), and North Northamptonshire Council (NNC), to issue stern warnings to the public about the dangers of disposing of batteries inappropriately. These councils have underscored the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in everyday items such as mobile phones, laptops, and e-scooters.
Cambridge City Council has been particularly affected, documenting seven fires in their lorries since the beginning of the year. Bode Esan, the head of Greater Cambridge shared waste, explained that the compacting process within the bin lorries can crush and split these batteries, leading to ignition or explosions. He noted the peril this poses not only to the crew, who must swiftly find a secure location to unload the waste, but also to the public nearby. Esan expressed gratitude for the prompt actions of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue but emphasised the collective responsibility to prevent such fires from needing emergency response.
The scenario was similar in Fenland District, where a team noticed smoke emanating from the back of a lorry during routine collections. This incident, which required the extinguishing of four tonnes of materials, was believed to be started by a lithium-ion battery. Councillor Peter Murphy, FDC portfolio holder for refuse and cleansing, made a straightforward appeal to residents to exclude batteries and electrical items from household waste bins, citing the evident safety risks to the crews and the potential fire hazards.
North Northamptonshire Council has also reported near-misses, with its waste crews narrowly avoiding fires thanks to their quick thinking. Jason Smithers, the leader of the council, remarked on the potential disruption and loss of resources such fires could cause. His statement serves as a reminder of the broader impacts, such as cancelled waste collection rounds and damage to vehicles, which amplify the need for proper battery disposal practices.
Amidst the growing concern, a council on Merseyside has echoed these warnings, following a similar incident where a refuse truck caught fire due to a discarded battery. These events reflect a broader, nationwide issue that urges everyone to heed the consequences of improper disposal.
The East Midlands councils’ warnings highlight the crucial need for public awareness and proper battery disposal to prevent hazardous incidents.
