URGENT UPDATE: Aberdeenshire Council is calling on residents to STOP throwing batteries in household bins due to a rising fire risk, following two alarming incidents earlier this January. These dangerous situations could have led to catastrophic fires, threatening both local infrastructure and community safety.
Batteries, if crushed or punctured in waste bins, can ignite, causing devastating fires that not only endanger workers but also disrupt essential waste collection services. Aberdeenshire Council reported two close calls at waste transfer stations, where quick-thinking staff managed to extinguish flames before they escalated.
“We are fortunate to have such quick-thinking staff,” stated Councillor Alan Turner, Chair of the Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee. He emphasized the significant impact a fire could have on waste collections and the environment, highlighting the urgent need for community action.
Residents are urged to keep batteries out of their bins and to recycle them properly. Batteries contain valuable materials like lead, nickel, zinc, and cobalt, which can be recycled indefinitely if handled correctly. Here’s how residents can help mitigate this fire risk:
– **Local Recycling Points**: Many supermarkets offer drop-off bins for used batteries.
– **Household Recycling Centres**: Larger batteries can be disposed of at these centres, specifically in WEEE containers.
– **Battery Collection Bags**: Residents can request pink battery bags for free from local recycling centres, libraries, or service points. These bags can be filled and placed on top of kerbside wheelie bins for collection.
Councillor Turner noted that “throwing them away means they are gone for good,” urging residents to act now to protect their community and the environment.
The council’s message is clear: proper battery disposal is crucial for both safety and sustainability. By recycling batteries, residents ensure that these materials can be transformed into new products, including more batteries and materials for the steel industry.
With the ongoing risk of fires and the significant harm they can cause, residents must take this plea seriously. For the well-being of the community and local wildlife, keep batteries out of the trash and recycle responsibly.
Stay informed and help spread the word—share this message to protect your community today!
