A COUNCIL has warned residents not to put batteries in their normal rubbish after a bin lorry caught fire.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said that the fire started when a waste crew was emptying bins.

The authority said the fire was caused by batteries being put into household waste.

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A post on Facebook said: “This fire on one of our waste collection vehicles was caused by batteries being put into household waste.

“You can see how quickly the fire takes hold and the disruption caused to the rounds as a result.

“Thankfully our crew were all safe on this occasion.

“Please don't put batteries in your household recycling bin. Batteries can be recycled but need to be separate from other recyclable items.”