Ladybank waste facility fire: call for action on dangers of lithium-ion batteries
A new campaign is needed to spread awareness of the dangers of incorrectly disposing of lithium-ion batteries after it was pinpointed as the source of a £1million waste recycling site fire in Fife.
The call has come from Willie Rennie, MSP for Norh East Fife, after confirmation of the cause of the major blaze at the Ladybank site which saw fire crews spend seven days dealing with the incident.
The huge blaze broke out near Lower Melville in May, and local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke billowing from the site.
A report to go to Fife Council’s environment, transportation and climate change scrutiny committee next week has now confirmed the cause was a lithium-ion battery incorrectly disposed of in residual waste that ignited.
Mr Rennie said: “It is helpful to have confirmation of the cause but concerns over the centre’s impact on the safety of the area remain. Lithium-ion batteries are found in many household items, and their proper disposal needs to be appropriately managed.
“Fife Council’s awareness campaign is a step in the right direction, but the Scottish Government needs to do more and renew a nationwide education campaign on battery disposal.” A public meeting to discuss concerns raised by the fire takes place at Ladybank Masonic Hall on Friday, November 27 at 7:00pm.
It will be attended by SEPA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Cicero, Public Health Scotland, and Fife Council.