Battery warning after bin lorry fire in street

A bin lorry crew had to dump eight tonnes of waste on to a residential street after a fire broke out in the vehicle's load, prompting a warning about battery disposal.

The Erewash Borough Council refuse crew was working in Neale Street, Long Eaton, when the fire broke out after 14:00 BST on Thursday 1 October.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters from Long Eaton and Nottinghamshire's Stapleford station put out the fire once the waste was tipped out.

The council urged residents not to put items containing batteries into bins after investigations found multiple vapes and a cordless vacuum in the rubbish.

The incident happened on the same day as a bin lorry in Heanor was also forced to dump its load out on a business park due to a fire on board.

A fire service spokesperson said: "While the cause of the fire in Long Eaton is unknown, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has been made aware that a number of items containing batteries were found in the rubbish heap.

"Batteries should never be thrown away with general rubbish. Proper disposal avoids damage or puncture by heavy machinery during transport or processing which may lead to fires."

A council spokesperson said: "Please, do not put vapes, batteries or any electrical items in any of your bins.

"Not vapes. Not mini fans. Not cordless vacuums. Not anything containing a battery. Please don't risk a fire."

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