'Prompt actions' of staff prevent blaze spreading after battery fire

The Waste Recycling Team at Warwickshire County Council is paying tribute to the 'prompt actions of staff' after a small blaze over the weekend was triggered by batteries which had been incorrectly disposed of.

The incident happened last month, on Saturday 19 July, at the site on Hunter's Lane in Rugby, where smoke was spotted coming from one of the waste containers.

On further investigation, staff found that a member of the public had thrown in a bag of lithium-ion batteries in a black bag, taped up.

Upon compaction, one of the batteries had ignited.

Staff raised the alarm immediately and evacuated the site including the AGE UK Reuse Shop.

Once the batteries were located, quick thinking staff carefully removed them and placed them in a metal bin away from everything else, where they were left to cool before being correctly disposed of.

Thankfully, on this occasion. the bag of batteries was in between two damp mattresses which stopped the fire spreading quickly and limiting damage to a small burn hole in one of the mattresses.  

Fires at recycling centres and in kerbside bins are most often caused by the following items which are listed along with the correct way to dispose of them:

• Vapes - Do not put in any kerbside bin. Every HWRC in Warwickshire has a dedicated container for vapes, or return to the vendor
• Batteries - Do not put in a kerbside bin. Some local councils do take at the kerbside when presented in a separate bag on bin day. Every HWRC in Warwickshire has a dedicated container for batteries, or place in dedicated container at many larger supermarkets and electrical retailers
• Waste Electrical and electronic items - Do not put in a kerbside bin. Some local councils do take at the kerbside when presented in a separate bag on bin day. Every HWRC in Warwickshire has a dedicated container for waste electricals, or return to electrical retailer
• Hot ash, cinders, coals or disposable BBQs - Do not move or put in any bin until cold. Speed up cooling by using cold water.

The Hunter’s Lane site continues to be open for pre-booked appointments.

Councillor Darren Cheshire, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Environment, Heritage and Culture, said: “This incident at Hunter's Lane serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of incorrectly disposed of batteries and other hazardous items.

"We are incredibly grateful to Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service for their swift and effective response.

"It is crucial that residents understand the correct way to dispose of items like batteries, vapes, and electricals to prevent future fires and ensure the safety of our recycling centre staff and the wider community.

"We urge everyone to utilise the dedicated facilities provided at our Household Waste Recycling Centres or through other designated collection points."

Information about your local recycling centres and booking can be found on the Warwickshire Council website.

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