Since 2009, 8 bin fires have been reported to us – 6 of those were started deliberately and 2 were accidental. We know more bin fires happen than are reported to us. Bin fires can easily spread to your home, so it’s important to look after your bins and make them less of a target for arsonists.
Follow our tips below to help keep your bins and home safe:
- Store bins in their allocated space – this should be secure, away from your home and out of view from passersby but if this isn’t possible, keep your bins away from doors and windows to reduce the spread of fire if your bins are alight.
- Only put your bin out on collection day – remember to put your bins back in the allocated place once it’s been emptied.
- Always keep your bin lids closed – this means you shouldn’t overfill your bins or leave rubbish around them.
- Don’t store materials that can easily be set on fire in your garden or outside area – either take these items to the tip or contact your local council for more advice: Leeds City Council, Kirklees Council, North Yorkshire Council, Wakefield Council. If you have empty or unwanted LPG gas cylinders contact the retailer to arrange collection.
- Don’t put hot items in your bin – this includes things like: BBQs, smoking cigarettes, hot embers from coal/wood etc.
