Urgent warning about the safe disposal of batteries and disposable BBQs after Leeds bin wagon fires

Leeds residents are being reminded about the dangers of binning batteries and hot ash from barbeques after three separate incidents in refuse collection vehicles in the last week.

Waste crews were carrying out collections in Burmantofts, Armley and Middleton when smoke started emerging from the back of their wagons. In each case, thanks to the quick actions of the crews, the fire service was promptly called and advised tipping the smouldering waste on to the road to enable it to be safely extinguished.

Evidence in each case appeared to show the fires were caused by either disposable barbeques or batteries from vapes or other discarded devices. Fortunately, on these occasions the crews were unhurt, and the bin wagons, roads and local properties were not damaged. The mess created in each location was cleared as soon as could be safely arranged, but not without the time and cost involved and some inconvenience to local residents and road users.

As a result of these incidents, all residents are being reminded the best way to get rid of disposable barbeques is to let them completely cool down until at least the next day after use and to soak them in water before wrapping them in foil and disposing of them in a black wheelie bin.

Loose batteries or devices like vapes that contain lithium-ion batteries can be safely recycled at the place they were purchased from, most supermarkets or any local household waste recycling centre in Leeds.

Leeds City Council executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, Councillor Mohammed Rafique said:

“We’d like to thank all of the crews in these incidents for their quick-thinking and attentiveness as well as West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for their guidance on how to handle these situations to avoid serious issues developing.

“Fires in bin wagons or at recycling centres can be started from the smallest spark or heat source. This results in danger to our crews and staff, damaged vehicles and inconvenience for residents. We appeal to everyone to please dispose of your rubbish responsibly, taking extra care that disposable barbecues are fully cooled down and that hidden batteries in things like vapes are recycled in an appropriate battery bin. Taking the time to be vigilant helps to keep everyone safe.”

Note for editors:
To safely get rid of used E-cigarettes and disposable vapes, these should be taken back to the shops they were bought from and deposited in their vape bins.

Alternatively, find an electrical recycling point at https://www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/ or deposit them in the special vape bins at one of the eight local household waste recycling centres across Leeds which can be found at Where to take your waste and recycling | Leeds.gov.uk

A Material Focus local authorities survey in the UK estimated that over 1,200 fires were caused by crushed or damaged batteries in waste streams in 2023, an increase of 71 per cent from the year before.

ENDS

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