Householders are warned not to throw batteries away in their wheelie bins after one exploded in a refuse lorry.
A crew from South Kesteven District Council were collecting dry recyclables on Belton Lane, Great Gonerby, when a battery blew up as the contents of a silver bin passed through the lorry’s crusher.
The crew heard the bang and immediately followed emergency procedures, emptying their near-full load of cans, plastic bottles and cartons into a layby to prevent a serious fire.
Firecrews from Grantham were quickly on scene and used a hose to douse the smouldering recyclable waste.
Luckily, no damage was caused to the £250,000 refuse lorry due to the quick-thinking of the operatives. SKDC handled the clear-up of the load, which was spoilt and no longer fit for recycling.
SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, Cllr Rhys Baker said batteries should never be placed in any bin provided by the council because the lithium they contain can catch fire when crushed in the back of our lorries
Cllr Baker said: “We regularly remind our residents about putting the right thing in the right bin. Batteries and vapes have never gone in any of our bins. They are a real fire risk. And these fires can spread very quickly.
“As we see more and more battery-powered devices in our lives, I want to remind everyone to dispose of their batteries - including vapes, phones, and electronic toys - responsibly.
“We want to thank our crew for their vigilance and the fire service for their quick response. Together, their professionalism and quick-thinking prevented this incident from escalating on this occasion.”
Cllr Baker said batteries should be left in a small bag tied to the lid of the black, silver or purple-lid wheelie bin on any weekly collection day. They will then be picked by the crew, stored safely on the lorry, and recycled.
Supermarkets and hardware stores also act as disposal points for batteries. Locations can be found at https://bit.ly/batterySKDC
Car, laptop, mobile phone, power tool, lighter, remote control and disposable vape batteries must be taken to Lincolnshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres, a list of which can be found at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/recycling-waste/find-recycling-centre
If a battery cannot be removed from an electrical device - for instance toothbrushes, shavers, chargers or toys - they must also be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre.
For information on what materials should go in which bin, visit Right Thing Right Bin: What can I put in my bin? | South Kesteven District Council
