Bin lorry fire

Published: 21 January 2026

Earlier this month, a bin lorry caught fire because lithium-ion batteries had been put in a household waste bin. The batteries ignited whilst in the back of the collection vehicle, and posed a serious risk to collection crew, vehicles and the public.

Fortunately, noone was injured thanks to the swift action of the collection crew and emergency services. The crew ejected the load so that the fire could be safely extinguished.

Safe battery disposal:

• batteries should never be put in general waste or recycling containers
• lithium-ion batteries from devices such as e-cigarettes, laptops and power tools must be taken to a household waste recycling centre for disposal
• household batteries should be put in a clear bag on top of the black wheelie bin on collection day