North Yorkshire Council urges safe battery disposal after bin fires
There have been six bin wagon fires in the last year
North Yorkshire Council is encouraging residents to dispose of batteries and electrical items containing batteries responsibly, following six bin wagon fires over the past year. It says the incidents highlight the risks posed by batteries mistakenly placed in household waste or recycling bins.
The latest fire occurred in Harrogate, believed to have been triggered by a battery left inside discarded toy building bricks. Damaged batteries, especially lithium-ion types found in toys, electronics, and other products, can ignite when crushed or punctured during waste collection and processing.
Cllr Richard Foster, executive member for managing the environment, stressed the importance of removing and recycling batteries correctly before disposal: “Taking a few moments to remove and recycle them can help prevent fires, protect our crews and keep communities safe.”
Residents are urged to check for batteries in toys, gadgets, and other electrical items and make use of free recycling collection points at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) and supermarkets.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's watch manager, Sy Wray, highlighted the serious risks posed by unsafe battery disposal: “If they are placed in regular household waste, mechanical damage alone can cause them to ignite and cause serious fires, putting lives and property at risk.”
For more information on recycling batteries and locating the nearest HWRC, visit North Yorkshire Council’s website at www.northyorks.gov.uk/batteries