Warning over dumping batteries after bin lorry fire

3 hours ago

News image — Batteries can ignite when crushed, sparking a fire in a lorry or waste facility, the council said

Breckland Council A side view of a white bin lorry, with a turquoise cab. White smoke is billowing from the top of the lorry — Batteries can ignite when crushed, sparking a fire in a lorry or waste facility, the council said

A fire in a bin lorry believed to have been caused by a dumped battery-powered vacuum cleaner has prompted a warning about the safe disposal of batteries.

Fire crews were called out shortly after 08:00 BST on Tuesday after the refuse lorry started billowing smoke while on its rounds in Dereham, Norfolk.

"This incident is a timely reminder of just how important it is that batteries and small electrical items are disposed of appropriately - and how easily it can go wrong when they are thrown in the bin," said Helen Crane, Breckland Council's executive member for waste.

The council reminded residents to "hold on to batteries and small electricals" while it worked to reinstate its kerbside collections following a fire at Thetford recycling centre in April.

Breckland Council Firefrighters in khaki uniform and yellow helmets use hoses on a mound of rubbish spread across grass. Parked side-on to their right is a white bin lorry billowing smoke — Waste was tipped out to allow firefighters to extinguish the fire

Batteries - which can usually be left out in a tied bag on top of the wheelie bin for collection - are prone to igniting when crushed, either in the lorry or at the sorting plant.

Crane praised the "quick thinking" Serco crew, who had driven the lorry to a safe spot on Old Hall Road.

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