Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Concerns have been raised over the dangers posed by refuse fires caused by the improper disposal of batteries and electrical devices in household waste. Chris Mitchell, a convener for the GMB union, spoke out after an incident in Glasgow city centre where a bin lorry crew had to dump burning rubbish onto the street. This event is part of a wider pattern of fires linked to items containing lithium batteries, such as vapes, impacting Scotland’s refuse collection services.
The fire occurred on Jamaica Street on a Wednesday morning after the crew collected waste from student accommodation, although the exact origin of the waste and the specific electrical item that ignited the fire remain unknown. Mitchell, addressing BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast, noted that the fire-dumped rubbish landed about 200 yards from the location of a previous fire on Union Street in March, which started in a vape shop. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and firefighters were promptly called to extinguish the blaze before the debris was cleared from the street.
Mitchell emphasized the urgency of tackling these fires, warning that refuse crews were “one fire away from a major disaster.” He expressed astonishment that there had not yet been any fatalities, stating: “This is a disaster and I’m actually surprised that no one’s been killed because of this.” He advocated for wider public education campaigns and the installation of more disposable vape bins, highlighting that this issue extends across the UK, with recycling centres and refuse sites experiencing similar fires.
Glasgow City Council confirmed that there have been two fires involving bin lorries this year and seven last year. They assured that staff adhered to the correct procedures during the fire incident by promptly unloading the rubbish, ensuring crew safety and minimizing damage to the vehicle, with the waste then swiftly cleared away. In previous similar cases, various electrical items—including laptop chargers, e-scooter batteries, and hoverboards—have also been implicated in battery-related fires, raising calls for a national, government-funded strategy to improve safe disposal practices
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
