Battery disposal warning after bin lorry fire

Residents are being urged to dispose of batteries safely after a fire broke out in a bin lorry.

Waste collection crews spotted the blaze while carrying out collections on Crooked Well and Llewellin Road in Hereford, before it was later extinguished by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire was caused by a lithium battery that had been incorrectly disposed of in household waste, Hereford Council said.

No-one was injured during the incident, the authority confirmed, but the incident highlighted "serious risks" posed by batteries and vapes when placed in household bins or recycling sacks.

Many everyday items contain lithium batteries, including vapes, rechargeable batteries, mobile phones, tablets and power banks.

If the items were put in household bins or recycling sacks, they could be crushed during the collection process, creating a serious fire risk, a spokesperson said.

The council added residents could recycle household batteries by placing them in a clear plastic bag, such as a sandwich bag, on top of their black or green bin, or alongside their rubbish on collection day.

Residents are also reminded that small electrical items, batteries and vapes should never be placed in household waste or recycling bins

County councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, said: "Thankfully, our crew acted quickly and safely, but this incident is a reminder that something as small as a battery can have serious consequences if it ends up in a household bin.

"By taking a few seconds to recycle batteries and vapes properly, residents can help protect our waste collection crews, reduce the risk of fires and keep our collection service running safely. It's a simple step that makes a real difference."

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