PEOPLE are being reminded to not dispose of batteries in their recycling bin after it set a recycling collection vehicle on fire.

Dorset Council Waste Services has issued another warning to residents after a vehicle caught fire in Bridport earlier this morning (December 19).

The fire is said to have originated from a pack of batteries that were left in the recycling bin, which when crushed by the collection vehicle, set the contents on fire.

Luckily, no one was injured.

This comes after another warning of batteries being disposed of incorrectly in November.

READ MORE: Plea to keep batteries out of bin following kerbside collection fire

A spokesperson said: “The crew ejected the load, and our colleagues in DWFireRescue extinguished the blaze.

“You can see from the photos this was caused by a pack of batteries that were placed in a recycling bin.

“Fortunately, no one was injured, and due to the quick actions of our collection crew – no damage was caused to the vehicle.

This is the second reminder of the dangers of improperly disposing of batteries in Dorset in the past two months Picture: Dorset Council Waste Services

“However, a lot of recyclable material has been lost, and our crews will need to clean up the mess too.

“Waste is crushed in the back of our vehicles after collection.

“When batteries – even dead ones – are crushed, they can catch fire. When surrounded by waste paper, cardboard, and plastics, it’s a recipe for disaster.”

Batteries should only be placed in a battery bag or any clear plastic bag and left on top of your recycling bin, never inside it.

They can also be recycled at most supermarkets or household recycling centres.

To find your nearest recycling centre, visit the Dorset Council website.