Bedminster fire: recycling centre closes after blaze

Photos shared earlier showed flames and a large plume of smoke at the Hartcliffe Way Reuse and Recycling Centre

Hartcliffe Way Reuse and Recycling Centre
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 22nd Mar 2024

Bristol Waste say the recycling centre in Bedminster which set alight earlier today remains closed - and will do for the rest of the day.

Photos shared earlier showed flames and a large plume of smoke at the Hartcliffe Way Reuse and Recycling Centre - with bosses saying the fire 'highlights just how important it is' to correctly dispose of hazardous materials - including batteries.

They say updates on tomorrow's opening times will be shared later this afternoon.

In a statement on X, bosses said: "Our Hartcliffe Way Reuse & Recycling Centre is currently closed to the public after a fire in a recycling container just after 9:30 this morning.

"The fire was contained to one of the recycling bays and fire crews, attending the scene quickly, were able to extinguish it.

"Our teams followed established emergency procedures, and there were no injuries. We are grateful also for the quick response by Avon Fire and Rescue.

"The site is still being monitored and we will provide an update when the recycling centre reopens to the public.

"Our Avonmouth Reuse and Recycling Centre is open as usual and will be accepting visitors who had booked a visit to the Hartcliffe Way site.

"This incident highlights just how important is it to correctly dispose of potentially hazardous materials & items containing batteries.

"Always: remove batteries from small electronics such as vapes, electric toothbrushes and toys.

"Never: put batteries in with incorrect recycling (including metal and cans) or general waste, including your outdoor wheelie bin."

Avon Fire and Rescue Service say two crews from Bedminster were needed to put it out, with four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

"Crews worked alongside on-site staff to extinguish the fire using high-pressure hose reels," a spokesperson for the fire service said.

"The cause of the fire is thought to be accidental ignition."

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