Waste and Recycling Fires

Did you know that approximately 700 fires occur every year in waste-processing centres due to batteries being improperly disposed of in household rubbish bins? The impact of small batteries causing such fires raises concerns about the potential consequences of larger, more commercial batteries. The Environmental Services Association reports that these fires cost fire services and waste operators around £158 million annually. In addition to the financial impact, these fires pose threats to life, cause disruptions to local areas, and have environmental consequences. While preventing fires entirely may be challenging, at Elite Precast Concrete, we offer solutions for prevention, protection, and containment of fires, particularly with our Legato interlocking blocks. These blocks are used in constructing fire walls and storage bays within waste operating sites. Recognised in the Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) guidelines for waste and recycling bays, the use of Legato concrete blocks helps minimise the spread of fire within the site and to neighbouring areas. Constructing fire walls and bays can also reduce the required separation distances in the FPP, provided they are fire-resistant (both radiative heat and flaming) and have a fire resistance period of at least 120 minutes. This allows for the isolation and extinguishing of waste within 4 hours. For more information on how we can assist in preparing your FPP, contact our team at 01952 588885 or visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-prevention-plans-environmental-permits/fire-prevention-plans-environmental-permits.