Hatfield residents have been warned not to put vapes and batteries in the bin after a refuse lorry was set on fire by a discarded battery earlier today (August 20).

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council released footage of the blaze, alongside a warning about the dangers of improper disposal of batteries.

The bin collection crew spotted smoke coming out of the back of the lorry and emptied the rubbish onto the road before calling the fire brigade to extinguish it. 

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A council spokesperson said: "This contained fire caused by a discarded battery was in Hatfield today. The crew spotted smoke coming from the back of the lorry, so they safely emptied the rubbish on the road and called the fire brigade to extinguish it.

"Their quick actions prevented a much bigger fire from happening!

"Thank you for helping us and our crews."

More advice on what can and can't be recycled is available at https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/recycling-waste-and-environment/recycling-and-waste/what-can-i-recycle/what-can-i-recycle.aspx?