Swindon-based Hills Waste Solutions is concerned that the ongoing, incorrect disposal of batteries will eventually cause serious injury to its crews or members of the public.

Following two recent fires caused by lithium-ion batteries at one of Hills’ waste management sites and another in one of its vehicles, Divisional Managing Director, Neil Pollard said, “I am worried that these fires will cause serious injury and property damage. Hills has been lucky so far with its teams and crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service attending to very difficult incidents quickly and safely.

“But, with batteries responsible for five fires at our facilities and a further four in our vehicles over the last year alone, I would encourage members of the public and businesses to think more carefully about the correct way to dispose of their batteries.”

Wiltshire residents should:

• Dispose of batteries in designated collection containers at household recycling centres
• Use the kerbside battery collection service: place batteries in a sealed clear bag on top of your blue-lidded bin or beside your recycling sack.
• Put small electricals (smaller than a shoebox) beside your bin in a carrier bag
• If a battery can’t be removed from an item, recycle the whole item at an HRC in the designated electricals bin.

Everyone should remember that if any device lights up, moves, buzzes, or puffs and isn’t plugged in, it’s powered by a battery – and should never be binned. Small everyday items like vapes, headphones and kids’ toys often have ‘hidden batteries’ inside and present a real danger to waste crews.

Businesses can contact Hills Waste Solutions directly for more advice on disposal of batteries and other hazardous materials.