A HOUSEHOLD has been scolded for throwing away a battery which caused a bin lorry to catch fire in Herefordshire.

Herefordshire Council said a hand drill battery had been thrown out with general rubbish, with the lorry catching fire later on its round in Ross-on-Wye.

A spokesperson said the fire wasn't serious and it was grateful to the fire service for its swift response.

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But they said batteries and electrical equipment should not be put into either of the wheeled bins provided by the council.

These items can be safely disposed of at tips, and smaller batteries can usually be returned to the retailers who sell them.

"Last week's fire was caused by a battery being compacted in the back of a bin lorry," they said.

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"We ask residents never to put batteries with rubbish or recycling for collection as it could lead to a much more serious incident.

"When thrown away with other waste, some battery types, like lithium-ion (Li-ion) and nickel-metal Hydride (NiMH), can ignite or even explode when damaged.

"When this happens, the batteries can quickly set fire to other waste materials, like paper, which could lead to a serious incident and put lives at risk.

"Although safe to use normally, powerful lithium-ion batteries are typically the most dangerous if they are not recycled properly.

"These batteries are often found in products like laptops, tablets, mobile phones, radio-controlled toys, Bluetooth devices, shavers, electric toothbrushes, power tools, scooters and even e-cigarettes."

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Two Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Whitchurch and Fownhope were called to the fire in Three Crosses Road in Ross-on-Wye.

A spokesperson said the fire, at 9.21am on Thursday, April 28, was put out using a hosereel jet and small tools.

There were no casualties, the spokesperson said, and no other emergency services were required.

Crews left the scene at around 10am after dealing with the lorry, which was "on its rounds".