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Safety Reminder Issued After Household Battery Causes Bin Lorry Fire

Fire crews were called out last week after a damaged battery placed incorrectly in a recycling bin caused a small fire. 

The driver alerted emergency services after he noticed smoke and flames coming from the back of the vehicle, at Atherley Road, Shanklin. 

Although the battery collection service has been a great success, the Isle of Wight Council is reminding residents of the importance of separating your used household batteries. 

Natasha Dix, strategic manager for environment, said:

“An incident like this shows how important it is to make sure you separate your used batteries from the rest of your waste and recycling.  

“They are only collected on your general (black bin/gull sack) waste week. Used batteries must not be placed in with the rest of your waste.

“Luckily no-one was injured. I would like to praise the quick reaction of the collection crew and the fire service. It could have been so much worse.” 

How to use the battery collection scheme safely: 

  • Place your spent household batteries safely and separately in their own clear sandwich-sized bag.
  • Leave the clear bag containing the batteries on top (not inside) of your general waste (black bins/black gull-proof sacks) on your general waste collection week. 
  • All the batteries collected by the crews are placed in a special box fitted to the collection vehicles and sent for sorting and processing. 
  • Metals and chemicals are removed and used to make new batteries and other products.

More information about household battery disposal can be found here  

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