A FIRE which struck the recycling centre in Reading last week is a warning against disposing of batteries according to Reading Borough Council.
It is urging residents to recycle batteries properly after a fire broke out at the re3 recycling centre, Island Road, on Monday, November 28.
It is the tenth fire that the company has had to tackle within its many facilities this year, with re3 citing batteries as “the main cause” of such incidents.
Research conducted by Material Focus found that 45% of householders are unaware of the fire risk posed by poorly disposed-of batteries.
When a battery is pierced or crushed, it can self-combust or cause sparks when struck by other metals and materials.
If batteries, or electronics containing them, are disposed of improperly, this becomes considerably more likely and can lead to the combustion of other dry and flammable waste.
Toothbrushes, chargers, vapes, and mobile phones are among some of the more frequently disposed of in general waste.
Fires not only put workers’ lives at risk but also lead to the loss of recyclable materials and cost money to tackle.
It is also possible that they could combust while in bins or waste lorries, putting members of the public at risk too.
Karen Rowland, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for environmental services and community safety, said: “The fire at the Smallmead Recycling Centre is part of a worrying trend which sees hundreds of fires nationwide annually caused by throwing away batteries.
“I am quite sure that the person that got rid of the battery in their recycling had no idea of the damage that it was to cause which is why we are seeking to remind all residents to be vigilant and think about their disposal of batteries and small electricals.
“The best thing our residents can do to help tackle the problem is to remember to never bin batteries, or small electricals, by putting them in your home rubbish or recycling bins.
She explained that batteries should be recycled separately.
“To protect yourself and others in Reading, residents should remove batteries from the electrical devices and leave them in a small carrier bag on top of their recycling bin on the collection day.
“In addition, all residents can recycle batteries at the Recycling Centre, or often at larger supermarkets too.”
Across Reading, small electricals (smaller than a shoe box) can be left on top of residents’ recycling bins on a collection day.
Batteries and small electricals can both also be brought to re3 Recycling Centres for safe disposal.
