Warning as explosive gas canisters found in Somerset's recycling
Waste bosses say they're seeing more and more things like camping gas bottles being thrown out - and had to put out three fires in a month
Last updated 19th Jun 2023
We've learnt 200 potentially explosive gas canisters were found in Somerset's waste centres in just one month
Extra staff are now being taken on to try and spot them on the sorting lines and remove them.
The fire service have joined Somerset Council and its collections contractor Suez UK in a joint statement 'asking for people to take more care or risk sparking dangerous and potentially deadly blazes'.
It says: "In the last two years more than ten depot and truck fires are thought to have been caused by people putting batteries, gas cannisters or still warm disposable barbeques in their waste.
"And the risk is on the rise - with three fires sparked in Somerset recycling depots in the last month.
"In the last two weeks of May alone, vigilant crews have pulled more than 200 potentially explosive camping gas cannisters out of household recycling. But some inevitably sneak through to the sorting process.
"Batteries and gas cannisters can ignite when crushed in the back of recycling trucks or as part of the sorting process in the Material Recovery Facilities at the Evercreech and Taunton depots.
"Disposable barbeques put into refuse bins without being fully soaked and extinguished can retain heat, smoulder and cause fires in truck and when tipped back at the depot."
Councillor Sarah Dyke, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: "We have a recycling record to be proud of and want our residents and crews to stay safe.
“The recent trend is alarming - any fire can be dangerous and even fatal, so we would urge everyone to take care and sort their waste carefully.”
Matthew Canning for SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK: "There are some items, such as batteries and gas cannisters, that can pose a fire hazard when not disposed of correctly.
“As we enter the warm summer months we are seeing an increase in fires on our trucks and at our sorting facilities - through the vigilance of our staff, all of these have been brought under control quickly but every fire poses a risk to our staff and the environment.
“Please help us keep our teams safe by following the council’s guidelines on how to dispose of items safely, particularly batteries, gas canisters, and BBQs.”
Carol Frances, Crew Manager, Community Safety and Prevention, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Simple actions do prevent fires.
“Help us to reduce unnecessary fires this summer by thinking about fire safety when recycling and enjoying the outdoors.
“Due to the number of fires started by household waste and incorrectly disposing materials, a few simple actions can help prevent fires. Never put batteries into the household waste.
“Always remove batteries from appliances before putting them in the recycling. Recycle your small gas canisters at your local recycling centre. Use instant BBQs responsibly – always stay with your barbecue.
“Make sure you have a bucket of water or sand nearby to put the barbecue out properly. We recommend packing a picnic rather than an instant barbecue.”
For the official advice on Waste collection safety advice click here