Burgess Hill waste fire sparks battery disposal warning

Tuesday, 3 February 2026 07:00

Firefighters are warning residents after a recycling lorry caught fire in Burgess Hill.

Crews were called to the Recycling Centre after staff noticed a burning smell coming from a vehicle.

Several discarded mobile phones were discovered in the waste, with lithium-ion batteries believed to have caused the fire.

Crew Manager Tony Day said: “Electrical items and batteries should never be thrown away in general waste or recycling bins. They can become damaged from crushing during the collection and sorting process, causing paper, plastics, and other materials to catch alight.

“What may start as a small fire can quickly spread and become much larger inside a collection vehicle or at a waste transfer site. This puts staff at risk, disrupts services and can result in significant damage. It also puts pressure on our ability to attend other emergencies where lives could be at risk.

“If you have old electrical items to dispose of you can take them to your local recycling centre. Your local district or borough council may also offer a kerbside collection service for batteries and small electricals.”

The LIBERATE group established by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service shares best practice and awareness around the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and serves as a forum to monitor emerging trends to reduce the risk that they pose. It has a membership of 220 individuals from a variety of organisations, including other fire and rescue services and waste management companies.

Further information on disposing of batteries and electrical items safely can be found at https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/dont-let-your-old-electricals-start-a-revolt/

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