Midlands Council Issues Urgent Battery Warning After £250k Lorry Fire
A Midlands council has issued a stark safety warning to residents after a lithium battery fire caused significant damage to a refuse collection vehicle, rendering it unusable and necessitating a costly replacement.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The fire occurred during an early morning collection round this month in a rural area served by North Warwickshire Borough Council. A lithium battery, which had been incorrectly placed inside a household bin, ignited after being emptied into the council's bin lorry. While the blaze was extinguished swiftly and no personnel were injured, the vehicle sustained permanent damage and was deemed unsafe for further service on residential streets.
Councillor Margaret Bell, chair of the community and environment board, expressed deep concern over the incident. She emphasised the serious risk posed by the unsafe disposal of batteries and vapes to council crews, operational services, and the fire service.
Financial and Operational Impact
The council has confirmed that the damaged bin lorry could not be salvaged. A replacement vehicle is estimated to cost approximately £250,000, representing a substantial financial burden for the local authority. This incident underscores the broader operational and economic consequences of improper waste disposal practices.
A spokesperson for North Warwickshire Borough Council detailed the event, noting it happened during a routine waste collection. They reiterated the importance of using correct disposal channels for batteries and electrical items containing lithium batteries.
Official Guidance for Residents
The council is urging all residents to adhere to proper battery disposal methods to prevent similar dangerous occurrences. The recommended steps include:
- Saving up batteries over time for appropriate disposal.
- Taking batteries to local shops or designated recycling centres.
- Bringing small electrical items to local household recycling centres.
The authority remains committed to protecting the safety of its staff and the wider community, and has made guidance on disposing of different battery types readily available to the public. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in everyday waste and the collective responsibility to manage it safely.
