Bin lorry battery 'explosion' prompts warning

A fire crew emptied the waste into a layby to prevent the fire from spreading in the lorry

Householders have been warned not to put batteries in their wheelie bins after one "exploded" in a refuse lorry.

Firefighters from Grantham and Sleaford were called at 12:29 GMT to near Hill Top Cemetery, Belton Lane, Great Gonerby on 2 October, when a battery, believed to be from a vape, blew up in the lorry's crusher.

Crews used two rakes and a hose reel to douse the smouldering waste, which council workers had emptied into a layby to prevent a serious fire.

Dan Moss, area manager for prevention and protection at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: "Thankfully, nobody was injured at this incident, but incorrectly disposed batteries do present a serious risk to waste crews and firefighters."

He said: When compacted at a waste site or in a lorry, batteries can ignite... setting other combustibles alight and becoming difficult to extinguish."

The £250,000 waste lorry escaped undamaged thanks to quick-thinking refuse workers and fire crews, the council said

Councillor Rhys Baker, cabinet member for environment and waste, said: "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."

He said South Kesteven residents should leave their batteries in a small bag tied to the lid of the black, silver or purple-lid wheelie bin on any weekly collection day.

A Lincolnshire County Council spokesperson said residents could safely recycle batteries wherever they purchase them from including supermarkets, and dedicated points at household waste recycling centres.

No damage was caused to the £250,000 refuse lorry due to the quick-thinking of the operatives, the council said.

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