Bracknell residents are being urged to recycle their batteries correctly after RBFRS were forced to deal with several fires over the last year.

Due to the combination of dried waste and crushing movement inside a collection vehicle, a small spark is all that is needed to start a fire.

Berkshire Fire and Rescue have said that this small spark could quickly turn into a life threatening situation.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes MBE, executive member for environment and local recycling champion, said:

“As residents know, we have a great set of collection crews in Bracknell Forest and their health and welfare is extremely important to us.

“By incorrectly disposing of batteries, we are putting them at risk, delaying collection times and putting a strain on the fire service.

If a fire does occur within a collection lorry, it has to immediately pull up and empty all waste onto the road, allowing fire crews to safely put it out.

By recycling batteries correctly, residents can prevent these dangerous incidents from occurring.

If batteries are processed in the correct way, they can also be used to make new batteries or other metal products.

Cllr Hayes said: “Batteries can be recycled in almost any shop that sells them. When in doubt, ask the customer service desk or shop staff if the store has a battery recycling box.”

 

The recycling centre at Longshot Lane also allows residents to dispose of their batteries safely.