Published: Friday 25th September 2015 | 1.08pm
A refuse vehicle has caught fire following a resident disposing of a gas camping stove in the blue bin.
Staffordshire Fire & Rescue were called to a fire in the back of one of the Council's dry recycling collection vehicles at 7:50am on Friday 18th September in Station Road , Hednesford.
The Fire Officer at the scene believed the fire was caused by contamination in the form of a gas camping stove, that had been disposed of with a partially full gas cylinder still attached.
Due to the fire and smoke damage the 1.5 tonne of dry recycling, including paper, card, plastic and glass could not be recycled.
Councillor Alan Dudson , Environment Portfolio Leader said "The fire was caused when the compressor crushed the gas cylinder which caused an explosion. It was thanks to the quick action of the crew and the Fire & Rescue Service that no-one was hurt.
Contamination, where householders put wrong or unacceptable materials in the blue and brown bins is on the increase, residents need to be aware that this can cost Council tax payers money. If you are unsure about which item goes in which bin then please look on our website for more information."
Residents are also reminded that hazardous waste such as camping and barbeque gas canisters should be disposed of in the appropriate manner, at the Household Waste Recycling Centre.
In April this year, the Council launched it's 'Recycling Isn't Rubbish' campaign to encourage residents to put the right item in the right bin and highlighting the consequences incurred from contamination, this was following an increase in the Districts contamination rates.
For more information about the recycling service visit: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/wasteservices