Veolia is preparing to reopen its Beighton Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Sheffield which was closed by a fire that has been attributed to an incorrectly disposed-of battery in household recycling.
The facility, which plays a crucial role in Sheffield's recycling efforts by processing 25,000 tonnes of kerbside-collected paper and card annually, has been out of action since the incident.
Its temporary closure has impacted the city's recycling capabilities, prompting a renewed call for residents across the UK to think carefully before disposing of flammable items like electricals, batteries and vapes in household bins.
In response to the incident, an investment has been made to enhance the facility's infrastructure and implement additional safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
When crushed in collection vehicles or recycling facilities, items like vapes, batteries and electrical devices can result in dangerous fires and explosions.
These incidents put collection crews and facility workers at risk of extensive injuries including burns, chemical exposure and smoke inhalation.
They can also cause damage to vital recycling infrastructure like the Beighton MRF, requiring financial investment to repair the facility and resume operations.
The plant will reopen in Autumn 2025 following major improvements to the site, including the installation of a new metering feeder, old corrugated cardboard (OCC) screen, and advanced conveyor systems.
The environmental services company has incorporated forward-thinking elements into the facility's design, including provisions for future integration of near-infrared technology, to enhance the separation of recycled materials.
Safety improvements include moving equipment from below ground to more accessible above-ground locations.
The safety of our workers and the public remains our priority, which is why we promote our dangerous waste campaign to help communities understand the risks and learn proper recycling methods for electrical items.
The previous floor openings have been filled with concrete, creating a more secure workspace that goes beyond standard requirements.
Residents can visit https://veolia.co.uk/dangerous-waste to see footage showing the devastating impact of dangerous items in recycling and learn how to dispose of these materials safely to prevent future incidents.
Batteries, electrical items and vapes can all be recycled. Residents can find their nearest recycling point at recyclenow.com/recycling-locator.
Whilst we welcome the investment into improving the facility, the expenditure to repair fire damage could have been invested in other innovations to enhance Sheffield's recycling services."
“We are grateful that no one was harmed and proactive steps are being taken to enhance the welfare of our employees, as this incident serves as an important reminder of potential risks associated with dangerous waste.
"The safety of our workers and the public remains our priority, which is why we promote our dangerous waste campaign to help communities understand the risks and learn proper recycling methods for electrical items."
Residents can visit https://veolia.co.uk/dangerous-waste to see footage showing the devastating impact of dangerous items in recycling and learn how to dispose of these materials safely to prevent future incidents.
Batteries, electrical items and vapes can all be recycled.
Residents can find their nearest recycling point at recyclenow.com/recycling-locator.
