Fires Trigger Safety Alert in Shropshire
Shropshire Council and waste company Veolia are urging residents to dispose of batteries and other hazardous materials safely. Recent incidents, including a battery fire at a recycling centre in Shrewsbury and an explosion in a bin lorry in Shifnal, highlight the risks of improper disposal.
Items That Can Cause Fires
Officials warn against placing vapes, electrical items, batteries, or gas canisters in household bins. These items can ignite when crushed, putting waste collection crews and recycling plant workers in danger.
Household recycling centres accept many hazardous items, and batteries can also be collected through kerbside recycling services.
Authorities Urge Caution
Councillor David Vasmer emphasized the dangers: “Throwing batteries, gas canisters, vapes, or electrical items with general waste or recycling puts collection crews at real risk of injury.”
Jeff Sears, Veolia’s regional director, added: “By making a few simple changes, residents can greatly reduce the chance of fires and protect workers.”
