Following a bin lorry fire in Hurley, North Warwickshire Borough Council urges residents to recycle household batteries, vapes and small electricals safely using its kerbside collection service.
On the morning of Wednesday 2nd September 2026, emergency services were called to a bin lorry fire on Queensway, Hurley. Fire crews responded quickly to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of the crew and surrounding area.
Fortunately, no members of the crew were injured and the fire was extinguished swiftly.
This incident serves as an important reminder of the dangers posed by incorrectly disposed batteries and electrical items. When placed in general waste or recycling bins, batteries and vapes can be crushed inside the refuse vehicles, leading to fires, explosions and potentially serious damage to the vehicle. These incidents put the safety of collection crews and the public at risk and can also cause significant disruption and costly damage to essential services.
Bin lorries cost in excess of £300,000, making incidents like this both operationally disruptive and financially significant. It costs £1,000 per week to hire a temporary bin lorry whilst the vehicle is replaced or repaired.
North Warwickshire Borough Council is urging residents to dispose of batteries and vapes safely and responsibly, highlighting the serious fire risk posed when batteries and vapes are incorrectly placed in household waste and recycling bins. To help prevent potentially dangerous bin lorry fires, the Council has introduced a new collection service for household batteries, vapes and small electrical items, making it easier than ever for residents to recycle these materials safely.
Residents are now able to recycle household batteries, vapes and small electrical items as part of kerbside collections. Residents must place their items in a bag alongside their bin on their normal collection day.
Guidance is also available through the Council’s app, simply search for ‘North Warwickshire Borough Council’ in your app store to find out how to dispose of specific items safely.
Councillor David Wright, Leader of the Council, said:
“Incorrectly disposed batteries and vapes create real risks when they end up in household waste or recycling bins. These incidents put our crews, residents and vital council equipment in danger, while also causing unnecessary disruption to waste collections.
We cannot stress enough the importance of disposing of batteries and vapes safely. Residents can take advantage of the council’s Household Batteries and Small Electrical Items collection service, which provides a convenient way to recycle batteries and small electricals correctly. Every battery and vape kept out of a household bin reduces the risk of fires, helping to protect our crews, vehicles and facilities from incidents like this."
To read more about this service, please visit our website: About the service | Household Batteries and Small Electrical Items | North Warwickshire Borough Council