FCC Environment operates 11 recycling centres and three waste transfer stations on behalf of Suffolk County Council, and has seen a sharp rise in the number of fires fuelled by wrongly disposed batteries and electronic items.
In April, a battery sparked a fire at FCC Environment’s Red Lodge site near Newmarket which took eight days and 660,000 litres of water to extinguish, causing £60,000 of damage.
FCC Environment’s Suffolk Recycling Contract Manager, Paul Smith, said:
“Hidden batteries start real fires, and we’re urging residents across Suffolk to take care this Christmas and dispose of batteries and items at local battery recycling points across the county.
“If not recycled properly, subsequent fires endanger the lives of recycling centre staff, firefighters and local residents.”
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, said:
“We’ve seen first-hand in Suffolk how incorrectly disposing of batteries can pose a danger to the environment and local communities.
“Incidents can also delay bin collection services, reduce opening hours at recycling centres, or even close them – and this time of year, is when the industry is at its busiest.”
Statistics from the National Fire Chiefs Council suggest that there were over 1,200 preventable battery fires across the UK in 2023, up by over 70% from 2022.
Lee Wilkins, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s Group Manager for Prevention, Community Engagement and Partnership Working, said:
“Fires caused by batteries in recycling centres are completely avoidable. By removing batteries from items before disposal and following the guidance provided, you can help prevent dangerous incidents and keep our communities safe. Please take that extra moment - it really does make a difference."
For more information about recycling batteries and other items, visit www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk
