DORSET residents are being reminded to not dispose of batteries in their household bin.

Dorset Council Waste Services (DCWS) say they had to deal with “another” fire in one of their collections vehicles in Verwood this morning (November 14) which caught alight when it was crushed by the vehicle.

“Thanks to the quick actions of our driver, they were able to eject the load onto the roadside in a safe location and no-one was hurt,” a spokesperson for DCWS.

“As the crew could still see naked flames, we called on our colleagues at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue to help put the fire out.

“They couldn’t fully confirm, but we suspect the offending item was likely a laptop battery. The waste has now been cleared.

DCWS say “even the smallest flame can become a huge problem” Picture: DCWS

“Please do not put batteries, or items that could contain batteries (even if they’re flat), in any kind of waste bin.

“Once crushed in our collection vehicles they can catch fire and, surrounded by all the dry paper, cardboard, and plastic, even the smallest flame can become a huge problem.”

Electrical items can be disposed of at any of the county’s recycling centres and regular batteries can be recycled at the kerbside using a battery bag, or clear plastic bag as long as they’re kept separate, at recycling centres, or taken to a battery recycling point at hundreds of locations across the county.

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