Residents are being reminded not to place batteries or unwanted electrical items containing batteries in their household waste or recycling bins to help to prevent fires.

The call from North Yorkshire Council follows six bin wagon fires in the last year, with the most recent in Harrogate which is believed to have been caused by a battery left inside a discarded set of toy building bricks.

The incidents highlight the growing risk posed by hidden batteries in everyday household items.

When batteries are crushed, punctured or damaged during collection and processing, they can ignite and cause fires in refuse vehicles, recycling facilities and waste transfer sites.

Lithium-ion batteries are particularly hazardous and are increasingly found in toys, electronic devices, vapes, electric toothbrushes and other household products.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing our environment, Cllr Richard Foster, said: “This incident serves as a timely reminder that batteries should never be placed in household waste or recycling bins.

“Many people may not realise that items such as toys can contain batteries. Taking a few moments to remove and recycle them correctly can help to prevent fires, protect our crews and keep communities safe.

“This incident could have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for our quick-thinking crew. I’d like to thank them, and of course North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, for acting so professionally and swiftly in tackling this fire.”

Residents are reminded to check and remove batteries from toys, gadgets and other electrical items before correctly disposing of them.

Batteries can be recycled free of charge at designated collection points, including Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) and many supermarkets.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service watch manager, Sy Wray, said: “Unsafe disposal of batteries, in particular lithium-ion type batteries commonly used for vaping equipment, are a real emerging concern for our service and services across the country.

“If they are placed in regular household waste, mechanical damage alone can cause them to ignite and cause serious fires, putting lives and property at risk.

“Please check for guidance around safe and responsible disposal of batteries and battery powered items.”

For more information about recycling batteries, and to find your nearest HWRC, visit North Yorkshire Council’s website at www.northyorks.gov.uk/batteries