Citizen September 2025 - text version - Why responsible recycling really matters

With a sharp rise in refuse lorry fires across Norwich, we are urging residents to take extra care when disposing of electrical items and batteries.

So far this year, there have been six fires in refuse lorries in the Norwich area – each one is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improper recycling.

Across the UK, the scale of the problem is alarming. There are an estimated five refuse lorry fires every day. Biffa, Norwich’s refuse collection contractor, has reported over 120 fires across their contracts in the UK, in the past 12 months.

These fires don’t just endanger lives and damage vehicles, they also disrupt waste collection services, damage recycling facilities and divert vital time and resources from fire and rescue teams, which then impacts all of us.

What’s causing these fires?

The main culprits are small electrical items and batteries, especially items with lithium batteries.

When these are thrown into general waste or mixed recycling bins, they can be crushed or punctured during collection or processing, causing them to ignite or explode.

It’s not just affecting refuse lorries though, the recycling facilities are also experiencing a rise in fires, putting our local recycling centre in Norwich and the people who work there in danger as well.

What can you do?

To help prevent fires and protect our environment, small electrical items and batteries need to be disposed of correctly:

• Place any small electrical items (like toasters, kettles, torches, electric toothbrushes) in a separate carrier bag.
• Put household batteries, including lithium batteries, in a separate bag too (including single use vapes).
• Leave these bags on the top of your refuse or recycling bin on collection day—our teams will collect them safely. If for any reason they do not collect it, please put it out again on your next collection day.

Let’s work together to keep Norwich safe and sustainable. Every small action makes a big difference!

Did you know?

We also recycle textiles and clothing. The volume of clothing and textiles that end up in landfill is increasing. The UK sends 350,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill every year, even though most of it can be reused or recycled.

You can help by placing your unwanted textiles and clothing in a separate bag on top of, or next to your waste or recycling bin on collection day. These items will be collected and either recycled or given a second life through the active second-hand textile and clothing market.

Food waste

We also provide a weekly collection service for food waste. You can use your food caddy for the following food items:

• leftover food from your meals
• eggs and eggshells
• cheese and other dairy foods
• fruit and vegetables (raw or cooked)
• bread, cakes and biscuits
• meat and bones (raw or cooked)
• fish and fish bones (raw or cooked)
• rice, pasta and beans
• tea bags and coffee grounds
• cooking oil and fat (put big amounts in a plastic bottle next to your bin)
• pet food

For more detail on what goes in your food caddy please visit www.norwich.gov.uk/FoodWaste

Recycling Do’s and Don’ts

To keep our recycling system efficient and safe, please follow these guidelines:

Yes please!

• Paper: newspapers, envelopes, junk mail, wrapping paper (scrunch test: if it stays scrunched, it’s recyclable)
• Cardboard: boxes, packaging, trays
• Cartons: food and drink
• Metal: aluminium foil, trays, tins, cans, aerosols
• Glass: bottles and jars
• Plastic: bottles, tubs, pots, trays

No thanks!

• Nappies, tissues, kitchen wipes
• Soft plastics: crisp packets, cling film, plastic bags
• Hard plastics: toys, garden furniture, plant pots
• Sharps, ceramics, cookware, cutlery, pans
• Batteries and electrical items

Important:

Anything with a battery must not go in your bin! Always place it in a separate bag next to your bins.

For more information or guidance on recycling and reducing waste in your area, please contact your local recycling team or visit www.norwich.gov.uk/ReduceWaste