Oops! Batteries Gone Wild Spark Fiery Recycling Center Chaos

Residents in Somerset are being urged to be more careful when disposing of batteries and vapes after two recent fires were caused by these items being thrown away incorrectly. The first fire happened in March at the Taunton Recycling Centre, where a battery started a blaze inside a large metal container. The second incident occurred when a waste collection crew noticed smoke coming from the back of their vehicle. Both fires were put out by firefighters, but they could have been very dangerous.

Somerset Council is warning people not to put batteries or vapes in their regular bins. Instead, they should be placed in clear plastic bags and left on top of recycling bins. This makes it easier for collection crews to spot them and handle them safely. Matthew Canning from Suez, the company responsible for recycling in Somerset, said that too many dangerous items are ending up in the wrong places. This puts staff at risk of serious injuries, as damaged batteries can catch fire easily and cause trucks or machinery to burn.

On March 30, staff at the Taunton Recycling Centre had to act quickly when a fire broke out in a skip. They used a forklift to move the burning skip outside so firefighters could put out the flames safely. On May 9, a Suez collection crew saw smoke coming from their truck. They called emergency services and dumped the burning load onto the roadside, where firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and clear the area.

Canning also warned that some items, like gas canisters, should never be put out for recycling collection. Gas canisters can explode under pressure, but sometimes people mistake them for aerosol cans and put them in the bin. The council says these should be taken directly to recycling centers.

Somerset councillor Federica Smith-Roberts said that fires caused by misplaced batteries, vapes, and gas canisters put people, vehicles, and recycling facilities at real risk. She is asking residents to take extra care and follow the guidance on the council's website to make sure these items are disposed of safely.

The council is encouraging people to get in touch if they have questions or want to share their own stories about recycling. They hope that by raising awareness, more people will follow the rules and help prevent dangerous fires in the future.