For somebody experiencing homelessness, a commercial bin may appear to offer temporary shelter from the cold, rain or dangers of sleeping outside.

However, when morning comes and waste collections begin, that temporary shelter can become extremely dangerous.

Why Are We Launching Bin Not Bed?

As a waste management company, our drivers and operational teams work with commercial waste containers every day.

While drivers follow safety procedures and remain vigilant during collections, a person sleeping inside a commercial bin can be extremely difficult to see.

Commercial bins can be mechanically lifted and emptied into waste collection vehicles, some of which use powerful compaction equipment.

Bin Not Bed has been created to raise awareness before an incident happens.

KCM Managing Director Keith Hickling said:

“If we can raise awareness and help prevent even one serious injury or fatality, then this campaign has been worthwhile.”

Prevent. Protect. Support.

The campaign focuses on three key messages:

PREVENT: Raise awareness of the dangers associated with sleeping inside commercial waste containers.

PROTECT: Encourage businesses, waste collection crews and communities to remain vigilant.

SUPPORT: Help connect people sleeping rough with organisations and services that can provide appropriate support.

Bin Not Bed isn’t about judging somebody for seeking shelter.

It’s about recognising why somebody may find themselves there, understanding the danger and knowing what we can do to help.

Help us Spread the Message

We’re asking businesses, organisations, waste management companies and members of the public to help us spread the Bin Not Bed message.

Our dedicated campaign page explains the risks in more detail, what businesses and the waste industry can do to help, what to do if you find somebody sleeping in or around a commercial bin, and where to find support.

One campaign can’t solve homelessness – but increased awareness could help protect a life.

A bin is not a bed.

See the person. Recognise the risk. Help connect them with support.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BIN NOT BED

The post KCM Launches ‘Bin Not Bed’ Campaign to Help Protect People Sleeping Rough appeared first on KCM Waste Management.

Taking place later this year, the Expo brings together hundreds of business leaders, decision-makers and professionals from across Barnsley, Rotherham and South Yorkshire to make new connections, discover new opportunities and drive real business growth.

Alongside fellow sponsors KAT Communications Ltd and EntrySign, KCM will be exhibiting at what promises to be the biggest Expo yet.

Whether you’re looking to meet new customers, build partnerships or hear from expert speakers, this is one event worth attending, and best of all, entry is completely free.

Secure your free place today at the Chamber Means Business website.

The post KCM Returns as Headline Sponsor for Chamber Means Business Expo 2026 appeared first on KCM Waste Management.

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day, from mobile phones and laptops to disposable vapes, power tools and children’s toys. However, when they’re disposed of incorrectly, they can pose a serious fire risk.

At KCM Waste Management, we’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact that a single incorrectly disposed battery can have after one caused a fire in one of our waste collection vehicles.

Following this incident, we created our FREE Downloadable PDF Lithium Battery Safety Guide to help businesses, households and organisations understand the risks and learn how to dispose of batteries safely.

Inside the guide you’ll discover:

• Why lithium-ion batteries can become dangerous
• Everyday items that contain hidden batteries
• How to recycle batteries correctly
• Where to take used batteries and electrical items
• A real-life case study from KCM Waste Management
• Frequently asked questions about battery disposal

Our aim is simple: to help raise awareness, improve recycling habits and reduce the number of battery fires affecting the waste and recycling industry.

Download Your Free Guide

Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, school or organisation, we encourage everyone to take a few minutes to read our guide and share it with colleagues, friends and family.

Together, we can help protect waste collection crews, recycling facilities, emergency services and our communities.

Download Our FREE Lithium Battery Safety Guide (PDF) below.

Continue Learning

Want to learn more about battery safety?

Read our latest articles:

• How One Lithium Battery Caused a Waste Collection Vehicle Fire
• Read About Our ITV Calendar Visit
• KCM Waste Management Featured on ITV Calendar to Raise Awareness of Battery Fire Risks

You can also follow KCM Waste Management on social media for the latest news, safety advice and updates.

Published Friday 31st July 2026.

The post FREE Downloadable Lithium Battery Safety Guide (PDF) | KCM Waste Management appeared first on KCM Waste Management.

On 29 July 2026, ITV Calendar visited KCM Waste Management to cover the incident and help raise awareness of the dangers of incorrectly disposing of lithium batteries.

Since the fire, the campaign has reached hundreds of thousands of people across social media and news platforms, helping educate households and businesses on safe battery disposal.

Click below to watch the full ITV feature:

https://www.itv.com/watch/news/waste-company-urges-safe-battery-disposal-after-one-of-its-vehicles-burst-into-flames/y0vgw91

Turning a Difficult Incident into an Opportunity to Educate

Following the recent lithium-ion battery fire involving one of our waste collection vehicles, KCM Waste Management was pleased to welcome the ITV Calendar news team to our Rotherham headquarters to help raise awareness of the growing dangers posed by incorrectly disposed batteries.

While no business ever wants to experience an incident like this, we made the decision to speak publicly because this issue extends far beyond KCM. Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming an increasingly common challenge across the waste and recycling industry, placing collection crews, recycling facilities, emergency services and the public at risk.

By sharing our experience, we hope to encourage more people to dispose of batteries safely and help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

ITV Calendar Visits KCM Waste Management

The ITV Calendar team spent the afternoon at our site filming the aftermath of the incident and interviewing members of our management team about what happened and why battery safety is becoming such an important issue.

Interviews were carried out with:

• Keith Hickling – Site Managing Director
• Lisa Smith – Sales Director
• Gareth Hickling – General Manager
• Ellie Hickling – Commercial Manager

During the interviews, we discussed the incident itself, how lithium-ion batteries can ignite when damaged during the waste collection process, and the importance of increasing public awareness around battery recycling.

What Happened?

The incident occurred after an incorrectly disposed lithium-ion battery entered one of our waste collection vehicles.

As the waste was compacted during normal collection operations, the battery became damaged and ignited, causing a fire at the rear of the vehicle.

Thankfully, thanks to the professionalism of our driver and the rapid response of South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, nobody was injured.

Although the vehicle suffered significant damage, our primary concern has always been ensuring everyone’s safety and preventing similar incidents from occurring elsewhere.

Why Couldn’t The Load Be Ejected?

One question we’ve received frequently is why the waste couldn’t simply be emptied from the vehicle.

Our driver immediately attempted to eject the load.

Unfortunately, the fire developed at the rear of the wagon, where the hydraulic pipes and electrical wiring responsible for operating the eject mechanism are located.

As the fire intensified, these systems became damaged, making it impossible to safely eject the waste.

Once South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue had extinguished the fire, specialist equipment was required to force open the rear of the vehicle so firefighters could ensure every remaining hotspot had been fully extinguished.

Why Lithium Batteries Are Such a Growing Risk

Lithium-ion batteries are now found in thousands of everyday products, including:

• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Disposable and rechargeable vapes
• Power tools
• Children’s toys
• Electric toothbrushes
• Smart watches
• Wireless headphones
• Cameras
• Power banks
• E-bikes and e-scooters

When these batteries are thrown into general waste or mixed recycling, they can become crushed or damaged during collection and processing.

This damage can trigger thermal runaway—a rapid chemical reaction that causes the battery to overheat, release flammable gases and ignite.

Unlike many other fires, lithium-ion battery fires can spread quickly and are extremely difficult to extinguish.

The Numbers Behind The Problem

According to Material Focus, battery fires are increasing across the UK:

• More than 1,200 battery fires occurred in UK waste vehicles and recycling facilities in a single year.
• Around 1.6 billion batteries are thrown away every year.
• More than 1.1 billion of those could have been recycled instead.
• Approximately 3,000 batteries are discarded every minute across the UK.

These figures highlight why battery disposal is no longer simply an environmental issue—it’s also a significant public safety concern.

How You Can Help Prevent Future Fires

The safest way to prevent incidents like this is by ensuring batteries never enter general waste.

Please remember:

Never place batteries in your household waste bin.

Never throw batteries into mixed recycling.

Instead:

Use your local household recycling centre.

Take batteries to supermarket collection points.

Return batteries to participating retailers.

Recycle disposable and rechargeable vapes through dedicated schemes where available.

Taking just a few extra moments to recycle batteries correctly could help prevent a serious fire.

Thank You

We would once again like to express our sincere thanks to South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue for their rapid response, professionalism and support throughout the incident.

We would also like to thank ITV Calendar for helping us raise awareness of this important issue and giving us the opportunity to share our story with viewers across Yorkshire.

Raising Awareness Together

We didn’t choose to share this incident because we lost a vehicle.

We chose to share it because every incorrectly disposed battery has the potential to cause another fire.

If our experience encourages even one person to recycle their batteries correctly, then something positive has come from an unfortunate situation.

Together, we can help protect waste collection crews, recycling workers, emergency services and our communities.

You can contact our team today on 0800 772 0948 or email info@kcmwaste.com.

Read Our Original Article

If you haven’t already, read our original article explaining how the incident happened, the dangers of lithium-ion batteries and practical advice on disposing of them safely. https://kcmwaste.com/battery-bin-lorry-fire/

Published Wednesday 29th July 2026.

The post KCM Featured on ITV Calendar to Raise Awareness of Lithium Battery Fire Risks appeared first on KCM Waste Management.

Today, one of our waste collection vehicles caught fire after a battery was incorrectly disposed of in general waste. Thankfully, thanks to the quick actions of our driver and the incredible response from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, nobody was injured.

However, the incident will leave our business facing thousands of pounds worth of damage, vehicle downtime and disruption to our waste collection operations.

Whilst we’re incredibly grateful that everyone involved is safe, this incident serves as a stark reminder of just how dangerous incorrectly disposed batteries can be.

We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue for their rapid response and professionalism.

Their crews arrived quickly, brought the situation under control safely and helped prevent what could have become a much more serious incident.

We are extremely grateful for everything they did today.

Why Do Batteries Catch Fire in Bin Lorries?

Many people don’t realise that modern batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries store a huge amount of energy. When they’re thrown into general waste, they often end up being crushed inside waste collection vehicles or compactors. Once damaged, a lithium battery can enter what’s known as thermal runaway, where the battery rapidly overheats, ignites and can reach temperatures of several hundred degrees in seconds.

Inside a refuse vehicle packed with paper, cardboard, plastics and other combustible materials, a single battery can quickly develop into a serious fire.

The Growing Problem Across the UK

Today’s incident is far from an isolated case. According to Material Focus and the National Fire Chiefs Council, more than 1,200 fires were caused by batteries in UK bin lorries and waste sites in a single year, that’s an increase of 71% compared with 2022. Research also found that:

1.6 billion batteries were thrown away in the UK in one year.

That’s over 3,000 batteries every minute.

More than 1.1 billion electrical items containing hidden lithium-ion batteries were disposed of incorrectly.

94% of local authorities surveyed said battery fires in the waste stream are becoming an increasing challenge.

These figures highlight just how important it is for everyone, households and businesses alike, to recycle batteries correctly rather than placing them in general waste.

Common Items That Contain Lithium Batteries

Many everyday products contain rechargeable batteries that should never be placed in general waste, including:

• Disposable vapes
• Mobile phones
• Power banks
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Smart watches
• Wireless headphones
• Electric toothbrushes
• Rechargeable AA and AAA batteries
• Children’s electronic toys
• Cameras
• E-bike and e-scooter batteries
• Cordless power tools

If you’re unsure whether an item contains a battery, it’s always safest to assume it does and dispose of it correctly. If you are ever unsure whether an item is safe to throw away in your general waste bin, skip or container, please do not hesitate to contact our team for advice.

The Cost Goes Far Beyond the Vehicle

When people hear about a bin lorry fire, it’s easy to think the only consequence is damage to the vehicle. Unfortunately, the reality is much greater. Incidents like this can result in:

• Thousands of pounds in repair costs
• Lost operational time
• Missed collections
• Increased costs for businesses
• Environmental damage
• Serious risks to drivers and members of the public
• Potential fires spreading to nearby properties or vehicles

Most importantly, lives can be put at risk. Today’s incident ended without injury, but that isn’t always the outcome. Industry insurers have reported individual battery fire insurance claims reaching up to £20 million, demonstrating the enormous financial impact these incidents can have on businesses and waste operators.

How to Dispose of Batteries Correctly

Batteries should never be placed in your household wheelie bin, commercial general waste bins or skips. Instead, they should be recycled through dedicated battery collection points. You can usually recycle batteries at:

• Supermarkets
• Household Waste Recycling Centres
• Electrical retailers
• Local authority recycling facilities
• Dedicated battery recycling schemes

If a battery is damaged or swollen, extra care should be taken when transporting it. Follow your local authority’s guidance on safe disposal.

Businesses Have a Responsibility Too

Incorrect battery disposal isn’t just a household issue. Businesses regularly generate battery waste from tools, handheld scanners, laptops, warehouse equipment, emergency lighting, telecommunications equipment and countless other devices.

Having the correct waste management procedures in place helps protect employees, waste collection crews and the wider community. If your business produces battery waste, speak with your waste provider about the safest disposal options.

A Reminder That One Small Item Can Have Huge Consequences

Today’s fire was caused by something small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Yet the consequences could have been devastating.

We’re incredibly relieved that everyone involved is safe, but we hope sharing our experience helps prevent the same thing happening elsewhere. If this article encourages even one person to recycle their batteries correctly, then sharing our story has been worthwhile.

Need Advice on Waste Disposal?

At KCM, we provide waste management and recycling solutions for businesses across the UK, helping organisations dispose of waste safely, responsibly and in line with current legislation. If you’re unsure how to dispose of batteries or other hazardous waste correctly, our team is here to help.

You can contact our team today on 0800 772 0948 or email info@kcmwaste.com.

Please Help Us Spread Awareness

One battery. That’s all it took to put one of our vehicles out of action, cause thousands of pounds worth of damage and create a potentially life-threatening situation. Thankfully, thanks to the professionalism of our driver and the swift response from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, everyone walked away safely. But next time, another waste operator, another firefighter or another member of the public may not be as fortunate. 

Before throwing anything away, ask yourself one simple question… does it contain a battery? If the answer is yes, recycle it correctly.

If you found this article helpful, please share it with friends, family or colleagues. Together, we can help reduce the number of battery-related fires and keep our communities, waste collection crews and emergency services safe.

Published Friday 24th July 2026.

The post BATTERY CAUSES BIN LORRY FIRE: THE HIDDEN DANGER OF INCORRECTLY DISPOSED LITHIUM BATTERIES appeared first on KCM Waste Management.

And this year, two of our team are taking that to new heights.

Site Managing Director Keith Hickling and Commercial Manager Ellie Hickling are taking on a charity wing walk in support of Cash 4 Kids, raising vital funds for disadvantaged children and young people across the region.

With a fundraising target of £2,500, the pair have already made a fantastic start thanks to the generosity of supporters near and far.

If you’d like to get behind Keith and Ellie — whether personally or on behalf of your business, every donation makes a real difference to the young people Cash 4 Kids supports.

To donate, visit their fundraising page.

The post Keith and Ellie Take to the Skies for Cash 4 Kids appeared first on KCM Waste Management.

As the Official Event Waste Management Partner, our team worked behind the scenes to ensure thousands of football fans could enjoy the fan zone while waste was managed efficiently, responsibly and sustainably. From branded recycling stations to our Bin It Like Bellingham campaign, it was brilliant to see fans getting behind the initiative throughout.

At KCM, we provide professional waste management solutions for events of all shapes and sizes — from music festivals and sporting events to food festivals and corporate functions — including waste collection, recycling services, wheelie bin hire, and on-site waste management support.

Planning an event? Get in touch with the team at bins@kcmwaste.com.

The post Proud to Serve as Official Event Waste Management Partner for Fan City appeared first on KCM Waste Management.

Three Nominations, One Proud Team

This year, KCM has been shortlisted for:

• Independent Business of the Year
• Charitable Business of the Year
• Local Fundraiser of the Year – awarded to our Commercial Manager, Ellie Hickling

Each nomination represents a different part of who we are as a business, from delivering trusted waste solutions to giving back and supporting the communities we serve.

Recognising Charitable Impact

Ellie’s nomination for Local Fundraiser of the Year reflects her ongoing commitment to supporting local charities and community-led initiatives. Her passion and leadership have played a key role in driving fundraising efforts that make a genuine difference.

A Special Year for the Yorkshire Choice Awards

Being recognised during the 10th anniversary of the Yorkshire Choice Awards makes this moment even more meaningful. The Awards celebrate the very best people, businesses and organisations across Yorkshire, and we’re honoured to be counted among them.

The post Celebrating Triple Nomination at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026 appeared first on KCM Waste Management.

Taking place on Friday 20th March 2026 at 7pm, the event will be held at Greasbrough Club and promises to be an uplifting evening of music, community, and support for a truly important cause.

Our Dementia Choir, founded by actress Vicky McClure, highlights the incredible impact that music can have on people living with dementia and their families.

The evening will also feature special guest performances from:

• Rotherham (Bramley) Mixed Voice Choir
• Friends in Harmony

Together, these performances will create a memorable night that celebrates music’s ability to bring people together.

Event Details

• Date: Friday 20th March 2026
• Time: 7:00pm
• Venue: Greasbrough Club
• Parking: Completely free
• Ticket Price: £12
• Performers: Our Dementia Choir, Rotherham (Bramley) Mixed Voice Choir, Friends in Harmony

Importantly, all funds raised from the event will be donated to charity, helping to support vital work within the community.

Book your tickets

The post Proud to Sponsor Our Dementia Choir Event in Greasbrough appeared first on KCM Waste Management.

Whether you’re a contractor, business owner, or homeowner clearing unwanted metal, KCM Waste Management provides a reliable, compliant, and efficient solution for scrap metal recycling through our skip hire services.

Here are the key reasons why customers trust KCM when it comes to recycling metal waste.

1. Fully Licensed & Compliant Metal Recycling

When recycling scrap metal, compliance matters. KCM Waste Management is a fully licensed waste carrier, ensuring all metal collected via our skips is handled responsibly and in line with current regulations.

2. Skips Suitable for a Wide Range of Scrap Metal

Our skips are ideal for recycling many types of scrap metal. Whether you’re clearing a site, stripping out a building, or disposing of redundant equipment, KCM provides the right skip size to suit your project

3. Flexible Skip Sizes for Any Project

No two jobs are the same, which is why KCM offers a wide range of skip sizes. From smaller clear-outs to large-scale commercial or industrial projects, we’ll help you choose the most suitable option.

4. Reliable, Prompt Delivery and Collection

KCM is renowned for dependable skip delivery and collection, keeping your project moving without delays. With our own fleet and experienced drivers, we offer a responsive service that works around your schedule.

5. Metal Waste Recycled, Not Sent to Landfill

At KCM, sustainability is central to everything we do. Scrap metal collected via our skips is segregated and sent for recycling, helping reduce landfill use and supporting the circular economy.

Looking to Recycle Scrap Metal?

If you’re searching for a dependable solution for scrap metal recycling, KCM’s skip hire services offer peace of mind, flexibility, and environmental responsibility.

Book your skip with KCM today

The post Why Choose KCM Skips for Scrap Metal Recycling? appeared first on KCM Waste Management.