Basildon firm details 'nightmare' lorry fire from hidden lithium battery

Staff at the Clearaway centre in Basildon confronted a severe emergency when a concealed lithium battery ignited within a load of refuse. The resulting blaze engulfed one of the company’s lorries as it approached the yard, prompting an immediate response from workers who had undergone specific safety training.

The incident and response

According to Need To Know, footage captured thick smoke and flames erupting from the vehicle while employees managed the burning waste. The team successfully dampened the load before removing the affected material from the truck. No injuries were recorded, and the trailer itself was preserved.

Company statement on risks

The recycling firm characterized the event as “one of the scariest calls you can get in the waste industry.” They noted that such scenarios represent “every waste company’s nightmare,” which unfortunately materialized for their operations. The ignition occurred because the battery was hidden inside general rubbish.

Warnings about battery disposal

Clearaway emphasized that lithium batteries pose significant hazards when discarded with household waste. As these items travel through the waste system, they risk being crushed, punctured, or damaged, leading to overheating and spontaneous combustion. The company warned that fires can start without warning, transforming routine loads into critical emergencies instantly.

Management urged the public to avoid placing batteries in skips, bins, or general waste streams. “Please think before you throw. One battery can change everything,” the company stated, highlighting the potential for minor disposal errors to cause major incidents.