Reminder to dispose of batteries safely after recycling centre fire
A battery caused a fire at Trowbridge Household Recycling Centre last week.
We're being reminded to dispose of batteries responsibly after a fire broke out at a Household Recycling Centre (HRC).
A battery was placed in the scrap metal bin at Trowbridge HRC, causing a fire which was quickly put out.
Both Wiltshire Council and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service have reminded us of the dangers posed by batteries when they're not recycled safely.
Batteries can be damaged when put into household waste and recycling containers as they're likely to be squashed, punctured, shredded or soaked in liquids, which increase the risk of fire or explosion.
Batteries and other electricals containing rechargeable batteries can be disposed of easily.
HRC's across Wiltshire have a designated battery collection point, while the Council also have a kerbside battery collection service, where batteries will be collected if left in a sealed and clear sandwich bag on top of our blue-lidded bins or next to our blue recycling bags.
And batteries that cant be removed from a device should be recycled in the designated electrical bin at a HRC or through the kerbside small rechargeable electrical collection.
This works in the same way as the battery collection service, but we just need to place the device in a shoe box beside the blue-lidded bin or recycling sack in a supermarket carrier bag on our collection day.
Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “It is really important that we all recycle batteries safely and never put them in the bin. Batteries which are put in bins are linked to hundreds of fires at waste facilities across the country every year, with the recent incident at Trowbridge recycling centre being an unfortunate example.
"Fortunately, and thanks to our colleagues in the fire service and our staff on site, the fire wasn’t more serious.
“It is easy to recycle batteries at home using our battery and small rechargeable electricals collection services. You can also recycle batteries at our recycling centres at the designated battery collection points.
“By recycling batteries responsibly, we can all play a role in preventing fires at our waste facilities and keeping our staff and the public safe.”
Group Manager Wayne Presley, from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “When used properly, batteries aren’t dangerous, but they can present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or damaged.
"Happily, this recent fire was quickly contained, but we have experienced significant incidents at waste sites in the past where batteries have been the cause. We would therefore urge everyone to follow the guidance on safe disposal and recycling.”