From Waste to Wildfires: Recycling Centre and Bin Lorry Fires in the UK

recycling fire bin lorry

In recent years, the UK has witnessed a troubling rise in recycling centre and bin lorry fires.

These incidents not only pose significant risks to public safety and the environment but also strain emergency services and disrupt waste management operations.

One of the key updates in UK legislation in 2025 for retailers and manufacturers is the ban of single-use vapes, as these are a major cause of fires in the waste industry.

The Rushden Recycling Centre Fire

On May 23, 2025, a substantial fire erupted at a recycling centre located in the Sanders Lodge industrial estate in Rushden, Northamptonshire.

The blaze, which involved a large quantity of plastic, produced thick black smoke visible up to 16 miles away.

Twelve fire crews from Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire responded to the incident.

Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed, and nearby roads were shut down.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but the fire underscored the potential dangers associated with recycling facilities.

recycling centre fire

Monument Park Fire

A month earlier, in April 2025, a fire broke out at a recycling facility on Pattinson Road, Monument Park in Washington, Tyne & Wear.

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service received an emergency call at 3:59 AM on Easter Sunday.

At the height of the fire, five appliances, including an aerial ladder platform and the service’s command unit, were in attendance.

In total, 38 firefighters and three officers were on-site during the incident.

Residents were advised to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke.

Again, fortunately, there were no reported injuries, however the incident caused major disruption and highlighted the growing risks at regional waste facilities.

firefighters fighting recycling fire

Other Incidents Across the UK

Several incidents across the UK illustrate the widespread nature of this problem:

  • Portsmouth: In January 2025, a fire ignited in a recycling lorry due to a crushed lithium-ion battery. The crew managed to return to the depot and extinguish the fire without injuries.

  • Doncaster: In April 2025, a bin lorry fire caused by a discarded vape battery required firefighters to extinguish the blaze twice after it reignited.

  • Cambridgeshire: Seven bin lorry fires were reported in early 2024, all linked to improperly disposed batteries.

  • Grantham: Over 60 fires at a recycling centre were attributed to electronic devices containing batteries, including vapes.
building fire recycling centre explosion

The Battery Problem: A Hidden Danger in Our Bins

A significant contributor to these fires is the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries found in everyday items like mobile phones, vapes, and laptops.

When these batteries are crushed or damaged in waste collection vehicles or recycling plants, they can catch fire and explode.

The National Fire Chiefs Council reported over 1,200 battery-related fires in bin lorries and waste sites across the UK in the year leading up to May 2024, marking a 71% increase from the previous year.

Over 5 million disposable vapes are used in the UK every week, many of which end up in general waste bins.

These vapes contain lithium batteries, residual nicotine, and sometimes Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), all of which pose serious fire risks when improperly handled.

Disposable vapes fall under the UK’s WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations, meaning they legally must not be disposed of as general waste.

Businesses that fail to comply risk enforcement action and fines up to £5,000 per store.

For waste operators, the consequences are even more severe: a single crushed vape can ignite a bin lorry or spark a blaze at a recycling facility.

disposed batteries cause fire

Obligations for Businesses

Retailers

  • If your business sells less than £100k of electronics per year:
  • If your business sells more than £100k of electronics annually:
    • You must offer a free 1:1 takeback service in-store OR
    • Set up a free collection point at a Designated Collection Facility (DCF)

Other Businesses (e.g. offices, warehouses, healthcare sites)

  • If your business generates WEEE (including vapes), you must:
    • Store vapes safely and securely to avoid contamination or fire
    • Separate hazardous and non-hazardous waste
    • Use Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities (AATFs) for disposal
    • Keep documentation (e.g. consignment notes) to prove compliant handling

Penalties

  • Non-compliance may result in:
    • Fines up to £5,000 per store
    • Enforcement action from the Environment Agency
    • Increased fire risk to people, property, and vehicles

Preventative Measures and Public Awareness

To combat this growing issue, several measures are being implemented:

  • Public Education: Campaigns like “Stop Battery Fires” aim to educate the public on the dangers of disposing of batteries in regular waste and promote proper recycling methods.

  • Improved Recycling Facilities: Local councils are enhancing recycling centres to handle electronic waste more effectively, providing designated drop-off points for batteries and electronic devices.

At Waste Managed, we work with trusted partners like Biffa to deliver compliant, cost-effective waste solutions, including vape and WEEE takeback.

Get a quote today to protect your site, meet legal obligations, and improve your environmental impact.

  • Legislation and Guidelines: The UK government have developed stricter regulations and guidelines for the disposal of hazardous materials to prevent such incidents. One of these regulations is the ban on single-use vapes, which was introduced in June 2025.

Extinguishing the Risk

The increase in recycling centre and bin lorry fires across the UK is a pressing concern that requires immediate action.

Proper disposal of batteries and electronic devices is crucial to prevent incidents from occurring in the future.

Public awareness, improved recycling infrastructure, and stringent regulations are essential components in addressing this issue and ensuring the safety of communities and waste management personnel.

Protecting Your Business: Why Choose Waste Managed?

Whether you’re a retailer, office, or large-scale facility, ensuring safe, compliant disposal of electricals like vapes and batteries is no longer optional; it’s essential.

At Waste Managed, we make it easy to stay compliant and fire-safe.
From vape takeback to general WEEE collections, we offer national coverage, competitive pricing, and expert support.

  • Fully compliant with WEEE and hazardous waste regulations
  • Up to 80% recycling rates through approved facilities
  • Tailored collection schedules and equipment to suit your business

Get a free quote with us today and take the first step toward safer, smarter waste management.

Get low-cost waste collections for your business

  • 35,000+ customers
  • 14+ years experience
  • Free bins & delivery
  • All UK locations
CIWMS CICS

“Environmentally friendly waste collection and disposal services at an affordable fixed monthly price.”

The Times Logo
Get a Quote Call Us