The fire was caused by a lithium battery that had been incorrectly disposed of in household waste.

The crew quickly spotted the fire while carrying out collections on Crooked Well and Llewellin Road in Hereford. They safely emptied the vehicle before the fire was extinguished by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. No one was injured, but the incident highlights the serious risks posed by batteries and vapes when they are placed in household bins or recycling sacks.

Many everyday items contain lithium batteries, including vapes, rechargeable batteries, mobile phones, tablets and power banks. If these items are put in household bins or recycling sacks, they can be crushed during the collection process, creating a serious fire risk.

Fires in bin lorries put collection crews, members of the public and emergency services at risk, as well as causing damage to vehicles and disruption to waste collections.

Fortunately, disposing of batteries correctly is quick and easy.

Residents can recycle household batteries by placing them in a clear plastic bag, such as a sandwich bag, on top of their black or green bin, or alongside their rubbish or recycling sacks on collection day. Vapes and loose batteries should be placed in separate clear bags.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Environment, Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, said:

“Thankfully, our crew acted quickly and safely, but this incident is a reminder that something as small as a battery can have serious consequences if it ends up in a household bin.

“By taking a few seconds to recycle batteries and vapes properly, residents can help protect our waste collection crews, reduce the risk of fires and keep our collection service running safely. It’s a simple step that makes a real difference.”

Residents are also reminded that small electrical items, batteries and vapes should never be placed in household waste or recycling bins. Information on how to recycle these items safely is available on Herefordshire Council’s website.