Bin lorry fire sparks safety warning over batteries and vapes

On Tuesday last week (17 March), a collection crew working in Wolston was forced to make an emergency stop after a battery ignited inside the vehicle.

The crew safely ejected the load at a nearby bus stop to prevent the fire from spreading.

Thanks to the quick actions of the crew and support from the fire service, no one was injured and damage was limited. However, the council has stressed that the incident was completely preventable.

Fires like this can happen when batteries, including those hidden inside disposable vapes, are crushed during the collection process. The pressure from the vehicle’s compactor can cause them to overheat and catch fire.

The council is reminding residents that batteries and vapes must never be placed in household rubbish or recycling bins.

Instead, they should be taken to designated recycling points, which are widely available at supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury's and Aldi, or to a local household waste recycling centre. Vapes can be returned to the shop where they were bought.

Claire Owen, Assistant Director for Operations and Traded Services at Rugby Borough Council, said: “This was a serious incident that could have had much worse consequences. I want to thank our crews for their quick thinking, which helped keep everyone safe.

“Fires caused by batteries and vapes are becoming more common, but they are completely avoidable. Something as small as a discarded battery can put our crews, residents and the public at risk.

“We are asking everyone to take a moment to dispose of these items safely. Using the correct recycling points helps protect our staff and prevents dangerous incidents like this from happening again.”

Residents can check how to dispose of household items at www.rugby.gov.uk/whichbin or on the Rugby App.