The disposal of batteries is in the spotlight after an investigation into a huge blaze at a Suffolk recycling centre established a battery was the most likely cause.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service revealed the cause of the fire at the Sackers Recycling Centre in Great Blakenham, near Ipswich, on Monday.

An investigation found the blaze, which was attended by almost 80 firefighters at its height, was most likely caused by a battery which made its way into a pile of scrap metal. 

Around 80 firefighters were at the scene at the height of the fireAround 80 firefighters were at the scene at the height of the fire (Image: OBD Photography)

Councillor Steve Wiles is urging residents to learn from the incident after the cause was revealedCouncillor Steve Wiles is urging residents to learn from the incident after the cause was revealed (Image: Suffolk County Council)

It has shed more light on the issue of disposing batteries in the correct way across the county. 

Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public protection, said: “This was a major incident that caused massive disruption to a great many people and saw firefighters put themselves potentially in harm’s way as they bravely dealt with it.

“We all use batteries, we all benefit from them, and therefore it is everyone’s responsibility to dispose of them safely.

“I would urge people to learn from this incident – please, when you get rid of a battery, do it properly.”

The fire was most likely caused by a batteryThe fire was most likely caused by a battery (Image: SFRS)

Councillor Chris Chambers, who represents Great Blakenham at Suffolk County Council, said he will be writing to the Environment Agency regarding the matter. 

"I will write to the Environment Agency and see what the licensing conditions are and what measures to prevent fires are," he said. 

"We have got to educate the general public about disposing batteries in the correct way."

Councillor Chris ChambersCouncillor Chris Chambers (Image: Suffolk County Council)

Mr Chambers added he would still be seeking answers to reassure people living close to the recycling centre, as well as in the wider area. 

He added: "I think the general feeling is the public still want answers to questions and they want to know about what things are in place at Sackers." 

The blaze on Thursday was the third to take place at the recycling centre since January 2023.

A fire at Haverhill waste transfer station in 2023 is believed to have been caused by a batteryA fire at Haverhill waste transfer station in 2023 is believed to have been caused by a battery (Image: Clare Fire Station)

A further blaze occurred at the site in 2017.

It is the latest fire believed to have been caused by a battery in Suffolk in recent years. 

Operations at the Haverhill waste transfer station, in Homefield Road in the west Suffolk town, were disrupted last year following a fire. 

Fifty tonnes of rubbish was set alight after it was suspected a battery was dumped within household recycling. 

According to Suffolk County Council, if batteries, or electricals containing batteries, are not properly separated they can end up being crushed in the waste and recycling process.

When punctured they can self-combust, setting fire to any surrounding dry and flammable waste and recycling.

All batteries should be disposed of either at recycling centres or in collection points at most large stores where they are sold.