An explosive industrial blaze which decimated a Kent recycling facility has been traced back to a single lithium-ion battery, sparking urgent warnings from local business leaders.
The inferno, which began last Tuesday at the Green Box Recycling Centre on Brunswick Road, sent plumes of thick black smoke across Ashford and required a massive two-day emergency operation to contain.
The Lethal Cost of a Single Battery
The disaster unfolded rapidly after the discarded battery fell from a waste-sorting conveyor belt and spontaneously ignited. According to CCTV footage of the incident, the initial spark quickly transitioned into an uncontrollable fire as the flames jumped to nearby combustible materials. The fire spread with such intensity that it soon engulfed the entire yard and destroyed vital processing machinery.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to a flurry of 999 calls, deploying ten fire engines, a height vehicle, and two bulk water carriers to battle the high-temperature flames. In the wake of the “catastrophic damage” suffered by the site, the business owner is now making a desperate plea to the public to ensure all rechargeable items and batteries are disposed of through specialist channels rather than general waste. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of lithium-ion technology when it is crushed or damaged within standard waste management systems.
Managing Director Richard Monks had only just left the site when he received a call to say there was a fire.
“I could see a huge smoke cloud in the distance and got back as fast as I could,” he said. “There was smoke and fire everywhere. It was something out of a nightmare.
“We’re lucky no-one was hurt but the impact on us as a business is catastrophic.”
Richard said batteries have become a serious concern for refuse sites and trucks because of the fire-related risks and urges everyone to dispose of them safely. He added:
“It’s not just a daily concern, it’s something we’re looking for every minute, because these batteries are like ticking time bombs if they are damaged or not disposed of correctly.
“I’m just grateful to the crews for their quick actions to stop the fire from spreading any further. The consequences could have been a lot worse.”
KFRS’ Head of Building Safety, Daniel Noonan, said:
“Discarded batteries need to be handled separately from normal waste, as if they are damaged or crushed by refuse machinery, then there is a risk they could catch alight.
“The impact of this fire was devastating for Richard and his team, but it also affected surrounding businesses and the local community, and it could have been easily avoided if the battery had been disposed of correctly.
“So, please don’t put batteries in your household bins and general waste. Dispose of them correctly and help us to reduce the risk of an emergency.
“If you’re unsure on where to recycle items, check with your local authority.”