Don't put batteries in bins, say Test Valley Borough Council

There's a risk they could catch fire within dustbin lorries

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 25th Jul 2024

We're being reminded to never put old batteries into our household bins, and dispose of them correctly.

The warning comes from Test Valley Borough Council, due to the risk of them catching fire in the back of bin lorries.

The authority's dealt with a number of fires in recent years, with two in one day alone.

When the waste is compressed in the back of the lorry, the crushing pressure causes the battery to spark.

You can safely recycle your batteries at your local household waste recycling centre, supermarket or other battery recycling point.

Vapes containing hidden batteries are common culprits, but electrical items including laptops and mobile phones along with any loose batteries are also a major risk.

Portfolio holder for Recycling and Environmental Services, Cllr David Drew, said:

“Most people won’t appreciate the dangers from placing items such as vapes in their black or brown bins. But they have caused multiple fires in Test Valley alone. It is simply good luck that nobody has been injured so far.

"In addition, each bin lorry costs around £220k to purchase, so the costs to repair them can be significant. But, critically, throwing a battery in your black bin could cost someone’s life.”

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