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Battery left in bin sets fire to bin lorry in Ferndown

HOUSEHOLDS in Dorset are once again being reminded not to dispose of batteries in bins following yet another bin lorry fire.

A large battery, which was placed in a black bin, ignited when a crew from Dorset Council Waste Services (DCWS) collected refuse from Petwyn Close, in Trickett’s Cross, Ferndown yesterday (January 29).

When crushed, batteries can catch fire, which can be a big problem if surrounded by flammable items like paper, cardboard and plastic.

DCWS has repeatedly reminded Dorset residents about the risk of improperly disposing of batteries, with three incidents of battery-started fires reported since December.

READ MORE: Warning over batteries in the rubbish after ANOTHER fire in a Dorset street

READ MORE: Plea to keep batteries out of bin following kerbside collection fire

A DCWS spokesperson said: “It appears to be a large battery of some kind, placed in a standard black bin.

“The crew immediately ejected the load and removed the item before any other waste could ignite. Fortunately, there was no damage to the vehicle.

“Our team cleared the area as best they could, and we will be sending a sweeper out today to clean the road.”

DCWS is reminding people to properly dispose of batteries and battery-powered items at household recycling centres or to place them in a battery bag (or a clear, sealable plastic bag) and leave them on top of a recycling bin for collection or take them to a shop/supermarket with a battery-recycling point.

A spokesperson added: “Our crews do not manually sort through the contents of any bins before the waste is crushed in the back of our collection vehicles.”

Click here to find the closest recycling centre near you.

 

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