Release date: 2 February 2026
Firefighters have issued a warning after attending a fire in a recycling lorry which was caused by a discarded mobile phone.
Crews responded to reports of a fire inside a recycling lorry at Burgess Hill Recycling Centre on 22 January after staff noticed a burning smell.
Upon arrival crews emptied the contents of the vehicle and located two smouldering areas using a thermal imaging camera. Firefighters used a high pressure hose reel to damp down the hot spots.
Several mobile phones were found among the waste and are believed to be the cause of ignition. Mobile phones contain lithium-ion batteries which can start a fire when they are crushed or damaged.
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 on our website.
