Second fire at Deptford waste site handling Lewisham council refuse
A second blaze at the Landmann Way facility raises questions about the council's waste disposal practices and the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries.
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Smoke filled the skies over Landmann Way on Tuesday 18 August as over 100 firefighters tackled a blaze at a waste facility. The incident occurred at the same site that experienced a significant fire in June. While investigations into the first fire are ongoing, officials believe lithium-ion batteries are the likely cause of both incidents.
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The facility, operated by SSSI, handles fly-tipped and bulky waste collected by Lewisham council. In June, the council paid SSSI more than £142,000 for waste disposal services, with payments in some months exceeding this figure, suggesting an annual spend of over £1.5 million. A spokesperson for Lewisham council stated that their teams collect and deliver bulky and fly-tipped waste directly to SSSI for sorting and disposal. Unrecyclable waste is then sent to Kent for Refuse Derived Fuel production and to supply Waste to Energy contracts, with items like mattresses going to Chatham and tyres and scrap metal to Hawkhurst for processing.
Concerns over battery disposal
The council acknowledged that it may be delivering waste containing batteries or canisters to the SSSI facility. Crews are instructed to visually inspect waste for items presenting a fire risk, such as loose batteries, electrical items with batteries, and gas canisters, and to remove them where practicable. However, the council spokesperson noted that due to the nature of bulky and fly-tipped material, identifying all concealed batteries before collection or disposal is not always possible.
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In a statement, the council recognised the growing fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. They confirmed they will continue to collaborate with site operators and waste management contractors to ensure that handling, storage, and disposal arrangements are appropriate.
Communicating risks to residents
Lewisham council promotes the availability of recycling points for batteries and electrical items, reinforcing the message that these should not be placed in household waste or recycling bins due to the significant fire risk. The council spokesperson indicated that challenges remain in reaching all residents with this advice. While disposable vapes are now banned, they continue to be a contributing factor to the problem. The council stated that further efforts are needed to improve communication and increase the number of collection points for batteries and disposable vapes, with no specific advice currently available for nitrous oxide canisters.
Questions this report answers
+What happened at the Landmann Way waste facility?
A second fire occurred at the waste facility in Landmann Way on Tuesday 18 August. This is the same site that experienced a fire in June. Over 100 firefighters attended the latest incident, which is believed to have been caused by lithium-ion batteries in the waste.
+How much has Lewisham council paid SSSI?
Lewisham council paid SSSI over £142,000 in June for waste disposal services. In some months, the council has paid higher figures, indicating an annual spend well over £1.5 million for SSSI's services.
+Is Lewisham council responsible for batteries in the waste?
The council confirmed it may be delivering waste containing batteries or canisters to the SSSI facility. While crews are instructed to remove items posing a fire risk, the council acknowledges it is not always possible to identify all batteries concealed within bulky or fly-tipped waste.
+What is Lewisham council doing about battery fire risks?
Lewisham council stated it recognises the increasing fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. The council will continue to work with site operators and waste management contractors to ensure appropriate handling, storage, and disposal arrangements are in place to mitigate these risks.
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