Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging residents to properly recycle all batteries after a waste fire in Westgate-on-Sea this morning was attributed to an incorrectly discarded battery being crushed inside a dustcart.
The incident occurred on St Margarets Road just before 8:00 AM (07:55) on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Two fire engines were swiftly deployed to tackle the blaze.
Crews used high-pressure hose reel jets to extinguish the contents that had been emptied from the refuse vehicle after they were ejected. Firefighters successfully brought the incident to a close by 08:15 AM. KFRS confirmed that the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, specifically noting that a battery—likely damaged and short-circuited when compacted—ignited the surrounding waste.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to waste management staff or the public. The presence of the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) was noted as a precaution.
Fire crews are reminding everyone that batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries found in many household devices, pose a significant fire risk when they are damaged or improperly crushed in general waste. They must be disposed of safely through official recycling channels.
Battery Recycling Options in Thanet
The main rule from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and Thanet District Council is: Do not put any batteries in your household wheelie bins or black sacks.
You have several convenient options for recycling all types of household batteries:
1. Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC)
You can take car, electric bike, scooter, rechargeable, mobile phone, and laptop batteries (as well as regular household batteries) to the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Thanet.
- Location: Margate Household Waste Recycling Centre (Manston Road, Margate, CT9 4LX)
- Important Note: You must book a slot online before visiting the HWRC. Entry without a booking is not permitted.
- Hours: Generally open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday-Saturday) and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Sunday), but check the booking site for the most up-to-date times.
2. Local Shops and Supermarkets
Most large shops and supermarkets that sell household batteries are required to have a dedicated collection point for used batteries.
- What to drop off: Standard household batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V, etc.).
- Where to look: Check the entrance of stores like supermarkets (e.g., Tesco, Sainsbury’s, etc.) or hardware/electronics shops. They typically have small, clearly marked collection bins. You can use online tools (like those from Recycle Your Electricals) to find the nearest collection point by postcode.
3. Public Buildings
Some public buildings, such as libraries and schools, may also have battery recycling boxes available for residents to use.
By using these official recycling points, you help prevent dangerous fires in waste collection vehicles and processing facilities.