Warning after bins damaged by disposable barbecues

Isle of Wight Council has reported bins destroyed or heat-damaged in disposable barbecue fires

A council has issued a warning after a number of public bins were damaged by fires caused by disposable barbecues.

Isle of Wight Council reported several bins sustained heat damage in Ryde, Shanklin and Sandown.

It comes after national figures revealed more than 700 barbecue-related incidents required fire service callouts between 2022 and 2024.

Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning at Isle of Wight Council, said: "Barbecues are a fun part of summer, but we must use them carefully."

They can also cause fires in waste collection vehicles, at recycling facilities or in open spaces, the authority warned.

Single-use grills are not only a fire hazard but also difficult to recycle and often left behind in public spaces, the council added.

Ms Dix said: "We're asking people to avoid disposable barbecues where possible and strongly advise not to use them in green open spaces, parks or at the beach."

Councillor Karen Lucioni, who chairs the council's environment and community protection committee, said: "Our request is for people to make sure their barbecue is completely cool and then take it home for disposal as part of their domestic waste collection.

"Public litter bins are not designed to take large items, and during peak visitor months, they can quickly overflow."

The council is also reminding residents and visitors not to leave rubbish beside full bins, but instead find an empty one nearby or take their waste home.