Rubbish fires

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service

Fires that start in rubbish are responsible for multi million pound losses to property and present serious health risks to firefighters who are tasked to put them out.

Whether it is household refuse, or industrial waste, the contents of the wheelie bin, or black bin bag are unknown to firefighters and can often produce a lethal cocktail when involved in a fire.

Wheelie bins burn fiercely and will intensify according to the contents

Bins should be secured in a compound, or staked and chained. This prevents vandals from using them as fuel for setting larger fires, especially in schools.
Domestic wheelie bins should remain secure in the confines of your property until just prior to the usual collection time
Do not use to dispose of anything other than household waste

General rubbish will intensify according to the contents

Keep paths and access routes clear. Do not store rubbish awaiting collection adjacent to doorways or next to combustible structures ie sheds.
Large or bulky items should be disposed of separately according to the local authority advice
Non-household waste can be disposed of safely by arrangement at the local municipal tip. Fly tipping is illegal.
Avoid stockpiling bin bags. Where local authorities do not provide 'back-door' service, collection points must not create hazards to neighbouring property or traffic.

Industrial or commercial waste should be graded in accordance with local authority regulations

Should only be disposed of in accordance with local authority arrangements
Remove waste to secure location until collected for disposal. Ensure frequent collection by disposal agency.
Keep containers secure or remote from premises
Monitor remote waste storage areas frequently and ensure any emergency exits to and from these locations are kept clear and maintained with adequate clearance

Support your local authority recycling initiatives and compost organic waste. Use bottle and glass banks, paper banks and aluminium banks where provided. Notify collection agencies if you discover a bank to be full rather than let waste cascade into the surrounding areas.