Blaze outside Cathays pub prompts citywide safety reminder
A Cardiff Council refuse vehicle caught fire outside the Mackintosh Pub in Cathays, with bike batteries believed to be the trigger, prompting a renewed warning to residents about the dangers of putting hazardous items in household waste. The council said swift action by the fire brigade kept damage to a minimum. It is the second vehicle fire in two weeks linked to prohibited items in the waste stream.
Photographs from the scene show waste tipped from the rear of the lorry and spread across the carriageway as crews worked to extinguish the blaze and check its cause. The incident has sharpened council concerns that items including batteries, gas canisters and vapes are still entering black-bag and mixed recycling collections, creating risks for collection staff and the public.
"One of our refuse vehicles caught fire this week. Thankfully, the fire brigade responded quickly and damage was minimal. Our investigation found batteries and gas canisters in the waste load, with bike batteries believed to be the likely cause."
In a follow-up message, the authority added that this was the second such incident in a fortnight and urged residents to use designated routes for hazardous items rather than household bins.
Where items should go instead
The council has reminded residents that everyday consumer batteries and similar items can be taken back to retailers and community sites, while larger or specialist items should go to the city’s household waste facilities. Accepted routes include:
- Supermarkets: in-store collection points for household batteries.
- Community recycling zones: drop-off for small electricals and batteries where provided.
- Household Waste Recycling Centres: Lamby Way and Bessemer Close for appropriate disposal.
The warning covers any battery-operated or pressurised items that can ignite if damaged or compacted. Placing these into domestic refuse or dry recycling risks fires in collection vehicles and at waste handling sites, potentially endangering crews, nearby residents and other road users.
What we know about the incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Outside the Mackintosh Pub, Cathays |
| Suspected cause | Bike batteries within the waste load; batteries and gas canisters identified |
| Response | Fire brigade attended swiftly; damage minimal |
| Context | Second refuse vehicle fire in two weeks |
Why it matters for Cardiff
Fires in refuse vehicles can escalate quickly once compacted waste ignites, causing operational disruption, costly repairs and road closures. For a city the size of Cardiff, a single vehicle out of service reduces collection capacity and can lead to missed rounds, overtime costs and knock-on pressures at depots. Repeated incidents within a short period underline the importance of residents following disposal rules to keep crews safe and services reliable.
Hazardous items do not belong in kerbside collections. The council emphasised that free, accessible routes exist for safe disposal across the city, including at the Lamby Way and Bessemer Close household waste recycling centres. Using these options helps prevent fires in compactors and processing plants, where an incident can halt operations and trigger evacuations.
Council’s message to residents
"This is the second vehicle fire in just two weeks and serves as an important reminder: never place batteries, gas canisters, vapes or other hazardous items in your household bin. Incorrect disposal puts our crews, residents and the public at risk. Please use the appropriate recycling and disposal facilities."
The council’s appeal is a clear call for vigilance at the point of disposal. Residents are urged to separate out batteries from toys, e-bikes and scooters, power tools and e-cigarettes, and to take them to the proper collection points rather than placing them in the black bin or mixed recycling.
What residents can do now
- Keep used batteries in a non-metallic container at home until you can drop them at a supermarket or community collection point.
- Remove batteries from devices (including vapes) before disposal and bag them separately for drop-off.
- Take larger or specialist batteries and gas canisters to the city’s household waste recycling centres at Lamby Way or Bessemer Close.
By using the correct disposal channels, householders can reduce the risk of further refuse vehicle fires, protect frontline crews, and help keep Cardiff’s waste services running smoothly.
