We are urging residents to think twice about responsibly disposing of batteries after a fire at the North Shields Waste Transfer Station highlighted the serious risks they can pose.
The incident happened at around 7.55am when a fire broke out on the site.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service arrived at 8.04am and took control of the incident, supported by site staff.
The site was immediately evacuated and remained closed throughout part of the morning while it was made safe again for staff and the public.
Although investigations are ongoing, the fire is believed to have been caused by a lithium battery.
Lithium batteries are found in many everyday items includes vapes and e-cigarettes, power tools, mobile phones, toys and games and much more. When they’re damaged, crushed or punctured the batteries can ignite without warning.
The footage released by the council today shows just how quickly a fire can take hold.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Never place loose batteries in household rubbish bins or recycling bins.
- Remove batteries from devices wherever possible before disposal.
- Take lithium batteries to dedicated battery recycling points at supermarkets, retailers Council buildings or Household Waste and Recycling Centres.
- Dispose of electrical items containing built-in batteries, such as vapes, mobile phones, tablets and rechargeable tools, through appropriate electrical recycling facilities.
- If a battery is damaged, swollen or overheating, handle it carefully and seek advice from site staff before disposal.
Councillor Willie Samuel, Cabinet Member for Environmental Sustainability, said:
"This fire serves as a stark reminder that something as small as a battery can have serious consequences when it ends up in the wrong place.
"Thankfully, our contractor’s team acted quickly and professionally, and we would like to thank both Suez and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for their support. Their actions prevented what could have been a much more serious incident.
"We are asking residents to help us reduce the risk by making sure batteries and battery-powered items are disposed of correctly. A few moments spent recycling them safely could prevent a major fire."
Paul Russell, Area Manager Community Safety, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue, said: “Incidents like this show just how important it is for everyone to think carefully about how they carefully dispose of lithium batteries.
“We don’t realise how many of our everyday items are powered by lithium batteries, from vapes and toys to laptops and mobile phones. The standout danger happens when these products with a concealed lithium battery are thrown away into household waste or recycling bins. They can then become damaged during collection and processing, potentially causing fires that put workers, firefighters and the public at risk.
“We would encourage residents to take a little extra time to dispose of batteries safely by using dedicated battery recycling points or household waste recycling centres.
“It might seem like a small action, but disposing of batteries correctly can make a big difference in preventing fires, protecting people and keeping our communities safe.”
More information on recycling batteries and electrical items can be found here.