Discarded Batteries Ignite Second Waste Collection Lorry Fire

A waste collection lorry’s contents ignited after batteries were inadvertently compacted within the vehicle. Earlier, a Dorset Council bin collection crew observed smoke emanating from the rear of the truck on Summerhill Road in Lyme Regis. According to the authority, the driver promptly moved the lorry to a broader road and discharged its contents, which subsequently caught fire. This incident follows a similar fire reported by the council on Thursday in Bridport, also attributed to batteries incorrectly placed in wheelie bins. Neither incident resulted in injuries, nor were the vehicles extensively damaged. The council stated that the most recent occurrence stemmed from a battery-powered drill and several batteries deposited in a recycling bin. In an official statement, the authority declared: “Our quick-thinking driver managed to drive to Kingsway, so he had more room and space away from parked cars.” “Street cleaners are now on scene clearing up the mess.” “Batteries of any kind should never be places in any recycling bin.” “Crushed batteries can cause fires, especially when surrounded by highly flammable material like paper, cardboard, and plastic.” The council advised that batteries and items containing batteries ought to be brought to any household recycling centre. Alternatively, household batteries can be put into a battery bag or a transparent sealable plastic bag and positioned on top of recycling bins for collection. Readers can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.