CONWY County Borough Council is urging residents not to put batteries in their bin, following two recent bin lorry fires in the area.The recent incidents in Albert Drive, Deganwy and Bryn Marl, Llandudno involved quick thinking by the refuse crews when fires broke out in the back of the vehicles.
Crew members emptying bins spotted the fires taking hold and called North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Firefighters attended the scene promptly both times to put the fire out and followed the vehicle back to the waste depot.
The waste was unloaded and given further attention by the firefighters, as these kinds of fires often reignite.
The vehicles were out of action while safety checks were carried out, to make sure they were fit to go back on the road.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in objects such as vapes, toys and electric toothbrushes, cause fires which are particularly difficult to tackle.
They have a tendency to keep reigniting and can lead to explosions and chemical exposure, creating a danger to the public, refuse workers and firefighters.
“Batteries can become crushed or damaged in bin lorries or waste sites and cause fires. Often they are lithium-ion batteries, hidden inside everyday objects,” said Cllr Geoff Stewart, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and the Environment.
“We offer a weekly battery recycling collection to residents, and our partners Crest collect small electrical items every fortnight.
Read more
https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24509345.bin-lorry-fires-deganwy-llandudno-council-warns-residents/?ref=rss&IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
