Wakefield: Battery bin fire sparks recycling reminder

Refuse collectors spotted the fire in the lorry on Wednesday (library image)

People have been reminded not to throw their used batteries in the bin after a fire broke out in a dustbin lorry in West Yorkshire.

Refuse collectors were emptying bins in Kettlethorpe, Wakefield, on Wednesday when a fire began in the back of the vehicle.

Wakefield Council said the team called the fire service who dealt with the incident and no-one was injured.

Lithium-ion batteries should always be recycled, said a spokesperson.

Batteries were found in the aftermath of the fire in Kettlethorpe

The household batteries are used in cordless appliances such as vacuum cleaners, drills, e-scooters, and vapes, but if crushed during processing they can cause a fire.

Mark Lynam, from the council, said: "Thanks to the speedy actions of our crew and the fire service no-one was injured, but it could have been a very different story.

"When rubbish is processed it gets crushed. If a battery gets damaged it can cause a fire, either in a bin wagon or at the waste treatment facilities, putting others at risk."

He said lithium-ion batteries were the most dangerous battery for causing fires.

"Please recycle items responsibly and help keep others safe," he said.