On Monday afternoon (20 January 2025), a refuse truck in Sheffield caught alight while completing a collection round.
The waste management company said that it suspects the fire caused by the improper disposal of hazardous materials such as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
A spokesperson for Lili Waste said: “Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident, but it did result in major damage to one of our vehicles. However, this serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safe disposal practices when it comes to hazardous waste.”
Darren Powell, managing director at Lili Waste, added: “I want to highlight the serious risks posed by the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries, following a vehicle fire, which is thought to have been caused by these items. This serves as a strong reminder of the importance of safe recycling to protect people, vehicles and the environment.
“At Lili Waste, we are committed to raising awareness and providing practical solutions to help prevent these hazards. Please remember to dispose of batteries responsibly – many local recycling centres and retailers offer safe collection points.”
Lili Waste’s issues warning to the public
Lili Waste has called on the public to be careful when disposing of WEEE and to never dispose of electronics and batteries in the general waste bin.
The waste management company reminded residents to take their batteries to a designated recycling point or collection centre instead.
It added that consumers should check the labels of products to identify hidden lithium-ion batteries in items such as vapes, electric toothbrushes and other small electronics.
Subscribe for free