Fire prompts lithium battery appeal

Residents are being urged to dispose of batteries properly after a waste skip caught fire.

Last week there was a fire in a small waste electricals skip, caused by a lithium battery which had been left in an electrical appliance.

The battery ignited in the skip as the waste was being compacted.

Perth and Kinross Council is now urging residents to make sure they dispose of batteries properly to make sure this does not happen again.

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council’s waste and recycling team said:“On Wednesday, August 14 there was a fire in the small waste electricals skip which could have been avoided.

“The fire was caused by a lithium battery left in a piece of small waste electrical equipment.

“The battery ignited when material in the skip was compacted whilst securing for transport.

“Fortunately, no one was hurt on this occasion, and the fire was extinguished by the fire service.”

The spokesperson continued: “Batteries left in appliances and equipment pose a significant fire risk as they are highly flammable.

“This includes lithium batteries which are commonly used in cameras, mobile phones, laptops, medical equipment and power tools.

“Where batteries are removable from a small appliance, these should be taken out and disposed of in the battery recycling boxes found at every recycling centre.

“Please note, that batteries in a sealed unit should be left and not broken.

“If you are unsure how to remove batteries from your small appliance, speak to one of the recycling centre site attendants who can help you.”