Official Statement Following Waste Transfer Station Fire
Date: 11th August 2025
We can confirm that a fire occurred at our waste transfer station, starting on the morning of Sunday 10th August 2025. Thanks to the swift and professional response from the local fire and rescue service, the fire was contained but continues to smoulder.
We are relieved to report that there were no injuries to staff, contractors, or members of the public.
Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by a disposable vape device incorrectly disposed of in general waste. While the exact cause is still being determined, we are aware of the growing number of fires across the UK linked to lithium-ion batteries in vapes and other electronic devices when they are not disposed of properly.
We urge all members of the public and businesses to follow safe disposal guidelines for items containing batteries. Vapes, like other electronic waste containing batteries, should never be placed in skips, ROROs or wheelie bins. They pose a serious fire risk in waste handling and recycling facilities.
We are working closely with the relevant authorities to complete a full investigation, and we would like to thank the fire service for their prompt response, and our management team for their tireless efforts over the weekend and ongoing.
We would like to reassure all customers that Bucks Recycling will return to normal service as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.
In the meantime, feel free to follow this link to a blog post on our website from December 2023 about vape disposal: https://www.bucksrecycling.co.uk/vape-disposal-a-real-threat-or-just-blowing-smoke/
Tricia Murray BA(Hons) CMgr FCIM
