A lithium battery believed to be from a vape sparked a fire in a bin lorry on Patrick Road in West Bridgford, forcing crews to unload nearly all its contents onto the road.
Rushcliffe Borough Council said the battery had been incorrectly placed in a grey household waste bin.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service helped extinguish the fire. The council’s Streetwise team then spent more than two hours clearing the waste into smaller collection vehicles.
The council has reminded residents to keep batteries, vapes and electrical items out of their bins.
It offers a separate battery collection service, with batteries placed in a bag on top of any colour bin. Its guidance says lithium batteries and vapes should be taken to a local waste recycling centre.
Cllr Rob Inglis, the council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, said: “The fire is a stark reminder it’s vital you place the right items in the right bin and thank you to residents who always take the time to do this.”
He said incorrectly disposed of items could put collection crews at risk and lead to significant clean-up work.
Blue recycling bins should contain only paper, card, food and drink cans, yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, plastic bottles and Tetra Pak cartons. Glass, batteries and electrical items should never be placed inside them.
Glass bottles and jars should go in purple-lidded bins. Grey bins are for household waste that cannot be recycled or composted through the council’s other collection services or recycling sites. Food waste should be wrapped in paper or plastic bags and the bin lid kept shut.
Green bins are for garden waste, including grass cuttings, hedge clippings, twigs, small branches, weeds, flowers, plants, leaves and bark.
Residents can check the full guidance at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/bincollections.
Eligible small electrical items listed on the council’s website can be left on top of blue bins for separate collection. Other items may need to be taken to a recycling centre or collected through the council’s bulky waste service.
