A Kent recycling centre suffered catastrophic damage after a fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery thrown away incorrectly with general waste. 

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) received multiple 999 calls last Tuesday (7 April) to reports of thick black smoke coming from an industrial estate in Ashford. 

Ten fire engines, a height vehicle and two bulk water carriers attended the incident, where crews spent two days tackling a fire at Green Box Recycling Centre in Brunswick Road. 

CCTV footage showed the blaze started when a lithium-ion battery fell off a conveyable belt used for sorting through waste and caught alight. 

The flames spread rapidly to other materials before taking hold of the yard and machinery. 

Managing Director Richard Monks had only just left the site when he received a call to say there was a fire. 

“I could see a huge smoke cloud in the distance and got back as fast as I could,” he said. “There was smoke and fire everywhere. It was something out of a nightmare. 

“We’re lucky no-one was hurt but the impact on us as a business is catastrophic."

Richard said batteries have become a serious concern for refuse sites and trucks because of the fire-related risks and urges everyone to dispose of them safely. 

He added: “It’s not just a daily concern, it’s something we’re looking for every minute, because these batteries are like ticking time bombs if they are damaged or not disposed of correctly. 

“I’m just grateful to the crews for their quick actions to stop the fire from spreading any further. The consequences could have been a lot worse.” 

KFRS’ Head of Building Safety, Daniel Noonan, said: “Discarded batteries need to be handled separately from normal waste, as if they are damaged or crushed by refuse machinery, then there is a risk they could catch alight. 

“The impact of this fire was devastating for Richard and his team, but it also affected surrounding businesses and the local community, and it could have been easily avoided if the battery had been disposed of correctly.

“So, please don’t put batteries in your household bins and general waste. Dispose of them correctly and help us to reduce the risk of an emergency. 

“If you’re unsure on where to recycle items, check with your local authority.”

 

If you’re a business and would like advice on disposing of batteries safely, please contact KFRS’ building safety team.