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.
A waste crews was carrying out collections in Staith Gardens and Town Street, Middleton when smoke started emerging from the back of their wagon. Thanks to the quick actions of the crew, the fire service was promptly called and advised tipping the smouldering waste on to the road to enable it to be safely extinguished. Similar incidents happened in Burmantofts and Armley.
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.”
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 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
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds City Council
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