A warning has been issued to Clydebank residents over how they dispose batteries after two fires across the area.
The first blaze occurred at Dalmoak Recycling Centre, followed by a bin lorry.
Although the causes are unknown, unsafe disposal of single-use lithium batteries has led to similar incidents across the nation.
Councillor David McBride, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development said: “It is imperative that householders are properly disposing of old batteries and devices containing batteries.
“While these devices are safe when in use, once the battery is out of use and damaged, it can cause a fire.
“We can’t say for certain that these incidents were caused by batteries, but it is likely.
“I’m really glad that, thanks to the quick-thinking waste operatives at both fires taking immediate action, we were able to avoid any severe consequences.”
Quick-thinking workers spotted smoke billowing from the back of the truck, and quickly put the fire out.
While firefighters were called out to Dalmoak Civic Amenity Site to tackle the blaze, leading to its temporary closure.
When devices with hidden batteries including laptops, tablets and vaping products enter the general waste, they get crushed by bin lorries or recycling machinery, which is what can present the fire hazard.
It’s not just fire hazards that are alarming with unsafe battery disposal, but also the serious harm they pose to the environment, as well as health risks and potential danger to lives.
“It’s important that we raise awareness of the dangers of disposing of batteries alongside household waste, as this has the potential to have a costly and detrimental impact on our waste services,” says Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development.
“There are various outlets available locally which will accept batteries and devices containing batteries ensuring they are disposed of appropriately and I would encourage residents to do so.”
To ensure batteries are disposed safely, residents should not place batteries or devices containing them in general waste or mixed recycling. Instead, residents should use dedicated recycling facilities, which are available at council recycling centres as well as many supermarkets.
Local disposal centres include Ferry Road Recycling Centre in Old Kilpatrick and Dalmoak Recycling Centre in Dumbarton or Erskine.
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