Warning after batteries cause large bin lorry fire

The fire was because of a battery-powered drill and multiple batteries being placed in a recycling bin. Credit: Dorset Council

Dorset Council has warned of the dangers of placing batteries in recycling bins after a large bin lorry fire in Lyme Regis

The council's waste collection crew were on Summerhill Road when they noticed smoke coming from the back of the truck - originating from batteries and a battery-powered drill placed in a recycling bin.

The driver of the truck drove away from nearby cars and ejected the bins which then burst into flames. The crew escaped the incident uninjured and the vehicle did not sustain any significant damage.

The waste collection crew called Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service after ejecting the bins from the truck. Credit: Dorset Council

A statement by the council's waste services said: "BATTERIES OF ANY KIND SHOULD NEVER BE PLACED IN ANY RECYCLING BIN.

"Our crews do not manually sort through the contents of any bins before the contents are crushed in the back of our collection vehicles.

"Crushed batteries can cause fires, especially when surrounded by highly flammable material like paper, cardboard, and plastic."

The fire was caused by a battery-powered drill and numerous batteries placed in a recycling bin. Credit: Dorset Council

The council urged people to dispose of batteries in one of two ways.

"Batteries and battery-powered items can be taken to any of our household recycling centres.

"Household batteries can be placed in a battery bag (or a clear sealable plastic bag) and left on top of your recycling bin for collection."