Warnings have been issued over disposing of batteries and other dangerous materials safely to avoid fires in bin lorries and recycling plants.

Shropshire Council and waste firm Veolia have launched a safety campaign, after a fire involving a battery at a recycling centre in Shrewsbury and an explosion in a bin lorry after a fire extinguisher was placed in bin in Shifnal.

People have been urged not to put vapes, electrical items, batteries, or gas canisters in bins because they are flammable when crushed and put people in danger.

Household recycling centres can take many of the items. Batteries can be recycled using the kerbside recycling service.

Councillor David Vasmer urged residents to take care and said: “The dangers of putting batteries, gas canisters, vapes and electrical items out with the general waste or recycling are very real and is something that puts collection crews at risk of injury.”

Jeff Sears, Veolia regional director, said: “We ask everyone to make these simple changes that will greatly decrease the chance of fires.”