Crawley Fire Station warns residents about the dangers of disposing of electrical items, batteries and coal incorrectly

With Christmas approaching, people might be replacing old electrical appliances with new ones and it is important to remember that “electrical items need to be taken to recycling centres or collected through local council kerbside services if available.”

Remember to dispose of “batteries correctly and that hot coals need to be cooled down before binning” as these can cause fires at recycling centres or on waste trucks.

Station Manager for Crawley Fire Station, Alistair Green said: "With Christmas just round the corner, people may be disposing of old electrical items and replacing them with new ones. However, many of these electrical items, such as electric bikes and mobile phones, use batteries that will likely cause a fire if they are disposed of with general household waste.

"More people are also using open fires instead of using their central heating, and there have been instances of people putting hot coals in bins before they have fully cooled down which can also ignite fires.

"Fires involving recycling centres and refuse trucks can present challenges for fire crews dealing with the incident, as well as having a significant and prolonged impact on local communities.

“Therefore it's important that people do their bit and help prevent fires by disposing of electrical items and batteries correctly, either via recycling centres or through local council kerbside collections where available. Please ensure that hot coals and ashes are fully cooled down before being disposed of.”

See more: Crawley Borough Council issues warning after fire breaks out on rubbish collection vehicle, Crawley school girl collects 373 presents for Horsham Salvation Army Toy Appeal, St Catherine’s Hospice Tree of Light brings comfort to local community

Further information on recycling can be found online: www.westsussex.gov.uk/recycles