Colchester Council bin lorry catches fire from batteries | Gazette

Colchester Council staff were left in shock after the hopper of a refuse truck caught alight in the East Bay area of the city following a “battery being improperly disposed of”.

The incident, which happened on Tuesday morning, saw the crew run to get buckets of water from residents to put the fire out.

Soot on the hopper blade where the fire had been (Image: Colchester Council)

Council bosses have said due to a concern nearby trees might catch fire and then spread quickly to adjacent houses, the decision was made to put out the fire rather than calling and waiting for the fire service. 

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “We are grateful to the bin crew and residents who extinguished the fire.

“The fire was likely due to a battery which was improperly disposed of.

“The crew acted quickly and responsibly to put out the fire and mercifully no one was hurt.”

Waste - the fire was likely due to a battery that was improperly disposed of (Image: Colchester Council)

It is reportedly the third fire in less than a year caused by batteries in bin bags.

Last August, three car batteries ignited in black bin bags in the back of a lorry.

After the batteries combusted inside the bin lorry, council staff called the emergency services and worked with an Essex Fire crew to empty the contents of the lorry into the road and put the fire out.

Following last week’s incident, reminders have also been given to residents about the disposing of batteries.

Rubbish - the council has reminded residents of the importance of disposing of batteries responsibly following the incident (Image: Colchester Council)

The council spokesman continued: “This incident is a reminder of the importance of disposing of batteries responsibly.

“Batteries can be recycled at most retail stores and household waste recycling centres.

“Throwing batteries in your black bag or wheelie bin can be dangerous, as they can start fires – and this fire could have caused serious damage if it had not been extinguished so quickly.

“Thank you again to the bin crew for their quick actions. We appreciate their help in keeping our communities clean and safe.”

Residents are advised to check out the Love Essex page, which gives advice on where items such as batteries can be taken.

Visit loveessex.org for more information.