Recycling Dustcart Blaze Sparks Battery Disposal Warning in Canterbury
A recycling dustcart went up in flames in Canterbury after a battery was mistakenly thrown into household rubbish. The incident on September 22 has the city council sounding the alarm about careless battery disposal.
Second Battery Fire in Days
City officials have revealed this is the second battery-related fire in days. Earlier, a full car battery was dumped in the rubbish, causing a similarly dangerous blaze.
Firefighters had to cut the roof off the burning dustcart to tackle the flames, causing delays for local rubbish collections and frustrating residents.
Council Urges Safe Battery Disposal
The council warns that damaged batteries – especially lithium ones – can explode or catch fire when crushed, compacted, or exposed to moisture inside waste containers.
“Batteries in household waste pose a serious fire risk,” officials stressed, urging residents to never throw them in regular bins.
How to Dispose of Batteries Properly
- Use local household waste recycling centres.
- Drop off domestic batteries at supermarkets, electrical shops, libraries, or participating schools.
- Take car batteries directly to recycling centres.
These steps are vital to prevent hazardous fires and protect the community from unnecessary danger.
