Residents across the region are being reminded to check toys, gadgets, and electrical items for hidden batteries before throwing them away, following a series of bin truck fires over the past year.
The call from North Yorkshire Council follows six refuse vehicle fires in the last 12 months. The most recent incident in Harrogate is believed to have been caused by a battery left inside a discarded set of plastic toy building bricks.
The incidents highlight the growing risk posed by hidden batteries in everyday household items. When crushed, punctured, or damaged inside collection vehicles or processing facilities, damaged batteries can easily ignite and cause severe blazes.
Lithium-ion batteries are particularly hazardous and are increasingly found in everyday items such as toys, vapes, electric toothbrushes, and small electronic devices.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing our environment, Cllr Richard Foster, said: “This incident serves as a timely reminder that batteries should never be placed in household waste or recycling bins.”
He added: “Many people may not realise that items such as toys can contain batteries. Taking a few moments to remove and recycle them correctly can help to prevent fires, protect our crews and keep communities safe. This incident could have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for our quick-thinking crew.”
Batteries can be recycled free of charge at designated collection points across the region, including Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) and most major supermarkets.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service watch manager, Sy Wray, said: “Unsafe disposal of batteries, in particular lithium-ion type batteries commonly used for vaping equipment, are a real emerging concern for our service and services across the country.”
He added: “If they are placed in regular household waste, mechanical damage alone can cause them to ignite and cause serious fires, putting lives and property at risk. Please check for guidance around safe and responsible disposal of batteries and battery powered items.”
