Somerset Council warns public after two fires caused by improperly discarded batteries

Summary

Firefighters in Taunton, Somerset, have responded to two fires caused by batteries disposed of incorrectly in recent weeks — one at a recycling centre and another in a waste collection vehicle. Somerset Council is urging residents not to put batteries or vapes in regular bins, but instead to place them in clear plastic bags on top of recycling bins for easy identification by collection crews. Matthew Canning from Suez, Somerset's recycling contractor, warned that "far too many dangerous items" are being improperly discarded.