Bedford Borough Council is reminding residents to dispose of batteries and vapes safely after a fire broke out recently at the materials recovery depot in Elstow. This comes just 12 months after a serious fire resulted in the total loss of this essential facility, which is now in the initial stages of rebuilding.
The fire was noticed by staff while a bulker was being loaded and was quickly put out. No one was injured, but the incident has highlighted the serious risks caused when batteries and vapes are placed in the wrong bin.
Batteries and vapes can ignite when they are damaged, crushed or overheated inside collection vehicles and waste facilities, putting staff at risk, disrupting collections and causing expensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure.
Bedford Borough Council reminds residents that household batteries can be recycled from home. Accepted household batteries include 6V, D, C, AA, AAA, 9V and button batteries. These should be placed in a small, clear plastic bag, sealed once full, and put on top of the black bin or orange-lidded recycling bin on collection day. The collection crew then places these in a separate container on the vehicle. Batteries should never be put inside any bin.
Vapes should also never go in household or street litter bins. Retailers that sell vapes must provide a take-back service, it is also possible to take vapes to the Household Waste Recycling Centre on Barkers Lane, Bedford. Further information for recycling vapes and other electrical items is available from www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk
Councillor Nicky Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers caused by batteries and vapes being put in the wrong bin. Even one small item can lead to a fire, putting staff in danger, disrupting collections and damaging expensive waste infrastructure. National figures show this is a growing problem across the UK, and we are asking all residents to do their bit by recycling batteries and vapes correctly and never throwing them away with general waste or mixed recycling.”
Residents can find further guidance on what can go in each of their bins at www.bedford.gov.uk/MyBins and details of the Household Waste Recycling Centre at www.bedford.gov.uk/HWRC