Worcestershire County Council gives urgent warning after recycling centre fire
The fire was started by a battery that had been improperly disposed of
Last updated 4th Sep 2026
Worcestershire County Council has issued an urgent warning to residents following a battery-related fire at a recycling site in Stoke Prior, near Bromsgrove.
The fire occurred at the metal recycling site on 1st September 2026, highlighting the dangers posed by batteries improperly disposed of in household waste.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in items such as vapes, power banks, portable speakers, toys, and musical greeting cards, can ignite when damaged or exposed to heat, posing a significant risk in waste and recycling facilities.
Councillor Josh Robinson, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, emphasised the importance of proper battery disposal to prevent such incidents.
"This latest fire shows just how quickly things can go wrong when batteries end up in the wrong place," Councillor Robinson said.
Residents are urged to recycle batteries and battery-powered devices at designated collection points located at local Household Waste Recycling Centres, supermarkets, and other participating outlets.
The council advises against placing these items in household bins due to the potential hazards they can cause.
The risks associated with lithium-ion batteries are increasing nationwide, with insurer QBE reporting that UK fire services responded to 1,760 lithium-ion battery fires in 2025, marking a 147% increase over the past three years.
The Environmental Services Association estimates that battery-related fires in the UK now incur annual costs exceeding £1 billion.
Worcestershire County Council encourages residents to use recycling centres for battery disposal to help mitigate the risk of fires and protect waste and recycling facilities.
Individuals uncertain about the battery content of an item should consult staff at recycling centres before disposing of it.
Further information on Worcestershire's Household Waste Recycling Centres, including details about accepted items for recycling, can be found on the council's website.
By ensuring proper battery recycling, residents can contribute to safer waste management practices and support the safety of local communities.