Members of trade union Unite have held a series of one-day strikes since January 2025 but will increase the action to an all-out strike tomorrow (11 March 2025).
The fire service said that it has been working collaboratively with Birmingham city council (BCC) to prioritise collections from locations where waste is piling up – particularly around care homes and high-rise residential buildings.
Emily Fernandez, head of prevention at the WMFS, commented: “We know these strikes can be frustrating for Birmingham residents, but we’re urging our communities to think carefully about how they store and dispose of waste.”
WMFS has put together a series of guidance for Birmingham communities and have highlighted several fire risks during bin fights:
Blocked bin chutes and communal areas
The fire service has warned residents to avoid leaving waste in hallways, stairwells or near bin chutes as this could both fuel a fire and block escape routes.
Cigarette-related fires
It also added to never throw cigarette ends down bin chutes or into waste piles, as they could ignite flammable materials.
Additionally, the fire service added to always fully extinguish cigarettes in a proper ashtray.
Battery safety
WMFS warned about the dangers posed by some batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, which can catch fire if damaged.
The fire service advised residents to always ensure they are disposing of lithium-ion batteries properly and safely never throw batteries or disposable vapes in household bins. Batteries should be recycled at designated collection points.
It added that residents should tape over battery terminals before disposal and keep damaged or swollen batteries away from flammable materials.
More information can be found on its rechargeable lithium-ion batteries safety page.
Risks association with fly tipping
WMFS warned that illegally dumped rubbish can be set alight, either deliberately or accidentally.
It urged residents to report any fly tipping to Birmingham city council.
Garden fires
The fire service strongly advised residents against burning rubbish or garden waste.
While it is not illegal to have a bonfire, laws exist to prevent nuisance fires, with fines of up to £5,000.
- WMFS will only attend bonfires that are unattended or out of control
- if you see an out-of-control fire, call 999 or 112 immediately
- for general bonfire or air pollution complaints, contact Birmingham City Council and report it.
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