Safety warnings for residents after site in Aldridge suffers second fire in six months, both thought to have been caused by exploding vapes
South Staffordshire Council is asking residents to check what they throw away, following two fires at the same waste facility.
Photo by Chris Rhoads / Unsplash
The onsite fire suppression system at Biffa’s Materials Recovery Facility in Aldridge swiftly tackled the blaze that broke out this month. But as many as 60 firefighters were required to attend a fire there earlier this year.
Following investigations, officials at the facility think both fires were sparked by discarded vapes which had been placed in waste bags sent for recycling. Vapes contain lithium batteries which, if they overheat, are liable to catch fire and even explode.
It’s not just vapes that pose this risk: batteries and rechargeable devices can also spark fires if incorrectly disposed of – as the council is keen to remind residents.
Such items should not be discarded in regular waste (i.e. the council’s grey bins) or waste for recycling (blue bins), but in a separate carrier bag that can be left alongside the grey bin on collection day. They can also be disposed of at household recycling centres and at special vape bins to be found at most supermarkets.
Luke Walter, Site Manager at Biffa’s Materials Recovery Facility in Aldridge, says: ‘The UK is facing a growing epidemic of battery-related waste fires which threatens lives, vital infrastructure and the environment. Whether discarded on their own or hidden inside electronic devices, batteries wreak havoc when they are thrown in the bin at home.
‘We’re therefore asking people to dispose of their batteries with care, putting them out in a separate bag on collection day, or putting them in special battery bins at supermarkets and household waste collection centres.’
Cllr Mike Davies, Cabinet Member for Community Services at South Staffordshire Council, adds: ‘While the vast majority of residents follow the right protocols when disposing of these items, it’s really important everyone plays their part to prevent these types of fires. So please remember, put vapes and items containing batteries out for collection next to your grey bin or take them to your local tip or supermarket.
‘It is absolutely essential that everyone disposes of these items in the appropriate manner, to ensure the safety of themselves, their neighbours, our bin collection crews, those working at waste disposal or recycling sites – or indeed fire crews.’
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