Warning about batteries after bin wagon fire

We are urging residents not to bin batteries after a fire in a bin wagon.

Workers were forced to tip waste onto a road in Firthmoor after the blaze in the back of the wagon, caused when a battery exploded.

Andy Keir, cabinet member for local services, said: “I want to thank our Street Scene staff who acted quickly and followed emergency procedures. Thankfully no one was hurt and the vehicle wasn’t badly damaged but this shows how dangerous it can be to put batteries in the bin.

“When batteries are thrown into the wagon they are compacted down and this can cause them to explode either in the wagon or at the recycling plant.

“All used batteries, whatever the size, should be taken to the tip or some shops and supermarkets collect them for safe disposal. They should never be put in household waste or domestic recycling bins.”

Stickers are being put on all household bins to remind residents that batteries shouldn’t be thrown away.