Fairy lights spark bin lorry fire – always place the correct items in your bins
Last updated: 7/6/2024
Residents in Rushcliffe are being asked to always check the correct items are placed in their blue, grey and green bins after battery operated fairy lights sparked a small fire in a bin lorry that were incorrectly put in a blue recycling bin.
All the items you can place in each bin and what should be disposed of at a recycling centre, bulky or other items collection can be found at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/bincollections
In blue recycling bins there should only be paper, card, mixed food and drinks cans, yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and plastic bottles. They should never contain glass, batteries or electrical items.
Remember to take your glass bottles, jars, textiles, shoes and Tetra Pak cartons including Pringles tubes, orange juice, chopped tomato, milk and custard containers to a local bring bank.
The grey bin is for household waste that cannot be recycled or composted in your blue or green bin or at bring sites. Please wrap food waste in paper or plastic bags before placing in the bin and keep the lid shut.
The green bin is for grass cutting, hedge clippings, twigs and small branches, weeds, flowers, plants, leaves and bark. Sign up for the service for collections from just 86p per week.
The Council recycles batteries but only if placed in a bag on top of a bin and placed on any colour bin.
The message to residents comes after the small explosion in the hopper area of the vehicle, which was quickly put out with a fire extinguisher by one of Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) crews.
RBC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Director Neighbourhoods Dave Banks said: “The fire was a stark reminder it’s vital you place the right items in the right bin or dispose of electrical or other items carefully at your local recycling centre or through our bulky waste service.
“Such fires are sadly becoming increasingly common across the country and lives are being put at risk by the incorrect disposal of waste in our bins.
“The lights should have been taken to a recycling centre so always check what to place in each bin at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/bincollections
“Thank you to residents who recycle glass and tetra pak items at the Borough’s popular bring banks that ensure Rushcliffe has one of best recycling rates in Nottinghamshire.
“Plans to introduce glass and other kerbside collections at home could be confirmed in the future as part of the national roll out of ‘Simpler Recycling’.
“We’re going to be delivering more education and awareness to residents across our communities soon so look out for more hints and tips to ensure you are always placing the right items in the right bin.”