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North Shields Waste Transfer Station Evacuated Following Lithium Battery Fire
A fire at the North Shields Waste Transfer Station necessitated an evacuation on Wednesday, August 26, around 7:55 AM, due to flames believed to have been ignited by lithium batteries. The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service responded and arrived at the scene shortly thereafter, at 8:04 AM, collaborating with site staff to manage the blaze.
The incident led to the temporary closure of the waste transfer site until it could be secured for staff to return safely. Ongoing investigations are looking into the cause, with North Tyneside Council releasing a video to illustrate how quickly such fires can start.
To prevent similar incidents, North Tyneside Council is advising residents on the safe disposal of batteries, particularly lithium batteries that are commonly found in devices like vapes, e-cigarettes, power tools, and mobile phones. The council has outlined several disposal guidelines:
- Do not place loose batteries in household waste or recycling bins.
- Remove batteries from devices before disposal where feasible.
- Take lithium batteries to designated battery recycling points at supermarkets, retailers, council buildings, or Household Waste and Recycling Centres.
- Dispose of electronic items containing built-in batteries, including vapes, mobile phones, tablets, and rechargeable tools, through appropriate electrical recycling facilities.
- Handle damaged, swollen, or overheating batteries with care and seek advice before disposal.
Councillor Willie Samuel, Cabinet Member for Environmental Sustainability, stated that the fire serves as a reminder of the serious risks associated with improper disposal of batteries. He expressed gratitude to the emergency services and site staff for their prompt actions, which mitigated potential escalation of the incident. He also urged residents to ensure proper disposal of battery-powered items to help reduce fire risks.
Paul Russell, Area Manager for Community Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, emphasised the importance of careful disposal of lithium batteries, noting the dangers they pose when improperly discarded in waste or recycling bins.
For further information on recycling batteries and electrical items in North Tyneside, residents can search ‘recycling’ on the council’s website.
