🔥 Danger in the Bin: Council Issues Urgent Warning After Electrical Waste Sparks Fire in Refuse Lorry

Incident Highlights Growing Threat from Improper Disposal of Electronics

On the morning of Tuesday, July 15, a routine waste collection in Redcar took a dangerous turn when a refuse lorry caught fire after picking up a discarded electrical item. The blaze was quickly detected and brought under control thanks to the swift response of the collection crew and Cleveland Fire Brigade. No injuries were reported, and the vehicle sustained minimal damage. However, the incident has prompted Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to issue a renewed warning to residents: electrical items must not be disposed of in general rubbish bins.

This latest fire — one in a worrying pattern seen across the UK — underscores the unseen risks of improperly discarded electronic waste, also known as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).

What Caused the Fire?

While the council has not specified the exact item responsible, officials confirmed that it was a small electrical device improperly placed in a regular waste bin. When crushed within the bin lorry’s compaction system, the item sparked a fire that forced the crew to halt their route and evacuate collected waste onto the street for inspection and firefighting.

An image taken shortly after the incident shows firefighters and waste operatives surrounding a large pile of rubbish on a residential road — stark evidence of the disruption caused by a single unsafe item.

Council Statement: “This Could Have Been Much Worse”

In a formal statement, a spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said:

“Our waste services team has let us know about another incident of small electrical items causing a fire in one of our collection vehicles. The fire happened yesterday but thanks to the quick action of the crew and our colleagues from Cleveland Fire Brigade UK, the situation was quickly brought under control with no injury to the crew or damage to the vehicle.”

The council emphasised that while no one was harmed this time, fires in waste vehicles can escalate rapidly, endanger staff, and damage public property. Many bin lorries operate close to homes, schools, and busy roads — the potential consequences of an uncontrolled fire are deeply concerning.

Why Electrical Waste Is So Dangerous

Electronic items contain various volatile components:

• Lithium-ion batteries, found in toys, power tools, vapes, and kitchen gadgets, can rupture or explode when punctured.
• Capacitors and internal wiring may ignite when exposed to crushing pressure.
• Chemical residues in circuit boards, screens, or adhesives can fuel fires once combustion begins.

Even seemingly harmless items like earbuds, watches, remote controls, or electric toothbrushes can pose serious risks if tossed in household rubbish.

Proper Disposal: What Residents Should Do

To prevent future incidents, the council urges residents to use appropriate disposal channels for electrical items:

✅ Acceptable Disposal Options:

• Local recycling centres (“tips”) — most have WEEE banks for small devices.
• Designated WEEE banks located across Teesside — free and safe for public use.
• Retailer take-back schemes — when replacing electrical items, many stores will accept your old device for responsible recycling.
• Community collection events — some local groups and councils offer pick-up days for electronic waste.

❌ Do Not:

• Place electronic items in your general waste bin.
• Remove batteries from devices unless you’re disposing of them separately in battery collection points.
• Leave devices next to bins or in recycling where they could contaminate materials.

A Rising National Trend

Redcar and Cleveland are not alone in facing this problem. Across the UK, councils have reported a spike in bin lorry fires linked to batteries and electronic items. In some areas, fires have destroyed entire vehicles, caused traffic gridlocks, and forced evacuations.

The Environmental Services Association estimates that over 200 waste fires a year are caused by improperly discarded electronics — many traced to lithium-ion batteries.

As the popularity of portable tech grows, and more households dispose of gadgets monthly, these figures are expected to climb unless behaviour shifts.

Educating the Public: Safety Starts at the Bin

Councils and safety organisations now stress the need for public education around the risks. Many residents remain unaware that:

• Small electrical devices are classified as hazardous waste.
• Most WEEE items contain recyclable components but require special handling.
• Disposing of electronics incorrectly could result in legal penalties, particularly for businesses.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council plan to incorporate more messaging in newsletters, social media posts, and signage at public tips to reinforce this guidance.

Final Word: Prevention Is Protection

This fire, though quickly extinguished, serves as a clear warning: a single wrong item can endanger lives, property, and public resources. With better awareness and responsible disposal, residents can help keep waste crews safe, protect infrastructure, and support environmental efforts to reduce landfill and recycle valuable components.

For disposal guidelines, visit Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s official website or contact your nearest recycling facility.