Warning after binned batteries cause fire in recycling trucks

RESIDENTS in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse have been urged not to put batteries or other items which could cause a fire in their waste or recycling wheelie bin.

Last week two small fires started in rubbish while it was being transported in waste and recycling trucks. “Both were potentially very dangerous incidents to the crews, other road users and pedestrians”, said an SODC spokesperson. “They also caused delays to collections and could have resulted in significant damage.”

The fires were caused by items residents had put in their bins, most likely to have been standard lithium-ion batteries – like the ones found in most mobile phones.

The advise is that batteries should be put in a clear plastic bag and left on top of the green recycling bin, while small electrical items (that may also contain batteries), can be put out in a carrier bag alongside the grey refuse bin for separate collection.