With ongoing Birmingham bin strikes, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is urging residents to take extra care when storing and disposing of waste.

The industrial action has led to rubbish piling up in some areas, increasing fire risks, particularly around high-rise buildings and care homes. We are working collaboratively with Birmingham City Council (BCC) who are prioritising collections from these locations, residents, responsible persons and businesses must take steps to keep themselves and others safe.

We’ve put together a range of tips and guidance to help our communities stay safe.

Fire risks linked to bin strikes

Excess waste can be a fire hazard, whether from fly tipping, overfilled bin chutes or people burning rubbish at home. The biggest risks include:

Blocked bin chutes and communal areas

rubbish left in hallways, stairwells or near bin chutes could fuel a fire and block escape routes.

Cigarette-related fires

never throw cigarette ends down bin chutes or into waste piles, as they could ignite flammable materials
always fully extinguish cigarettes in a proper ashtray.

A Birmingham City Council recycling bin, next to a normal general waste bin

Battery safety

some batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, can catch fire if damaged
lithium-ion batteries must be disposed of properly and safely. See our Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries safety page for more information.

Fly tipping risks

illegally dumped rubbish can be set alight, deliberately or accidentally
report fly tipping to Birmingham City Council.

Garden fires

We strongly advise against burning rubbish. While it is not illegal to have a bonfire, laws exist to prevent nuisance fires, with fines of up to £5,000.

WMFS will only attend bonfires that are unattended or out of control
if you see an out-of-control fire, call 999 or 112 immediately
for general bonfire or air pollution complaints, contact Birmingham City Council and report it.

Emily Fernandez

Head of Prevention

We know these strikes can be frustrating for Birmingham residents, but we’re urging our communities to think carefully about how they store and dispose of waste.

Fire safety guidance for residents during the strikes

To reduce fire risks, please follow this advice:

1. Keep communal areas and bin chutes clear

If you live in an apartment block or other multi-resident building, especially a high-rise:

avoid overfilling bin chutes—waste blockages can become fire hazards
never dispose of materials that could ignite, such as cigarettes or batteries, in bin chutes or bin rooms
if disposing of lithium-ion batteries, tape up the ends first. See our rechargeable lithium-ion batteries page for details
keep hallways, stairwells and communal areas clear of rubbish.

If you have access to transport, you can dispose of bulky items, or other refuse, free of charge at one of the Birmingham City Council household recycling centres (refuse tips) across the city.
If you see a blocked bin chute or a fire hazard, report it to your building management or landlord immediately.

2. Dispose of smoking materials safely

always stub out cigarettes fully in an ashtray
never flick cigarettes into bins, rubbish piles or out of windows
avoid smoking near waste storage areas.

3. Take extra care with batteries and disposable vapes

never throw batteries or disposable vapes in household bins. Recycle them at designated collection points
tape over battery terminals before disposal
keep damaged or swollen batteries away from flammable materials.

Overfilled waste bins with garbage bags and loose rubbish piled around them, located in a covered area beside a brick building.

4. Report fly tipping

Fly tipping is illegal and can lead to a fine of up to £50,000. If you see dumped rubbish, report it to Birmingham City Council.

5. Think twice before lighting a garden fire

We strongly advise against burning rubbish, but if you must burn garden waste:

only burn dry, natural materials—never plastics, treated wood or chemicals
keep fires small and away from buildings, fences and trees
never leave a fire unattended. Always have water or a hose ready.

See our bonfire safety page for more guidance.

Gemma McSweeney

Head of Protection

We need the public’s help to keep Birmingham safe. Taking simple steps, like keeping rubbish away from buildings and disposing of cigarettes properly, can reduce the risk of serious fires.

Fire safety guidance for landlords, management companies or businesses

Although the build-up of rubbish during bin strikes is challenging, responsible persons, building managers and businesses must continue to meet their responsibilities under the Fire Safety Order.

This may mean taking additional steps, such as arranging private waste collections or using skips to remove excess waste safely.

WMFS Head of Protection, Area Commander Gemma McSweeney, added: “We’re closely monitoring the situation and working with partners to minimise fire risks linked to the bin strikes. However, we need the public’s help to keep Birmingham safe.

“Taking simple steps, like keeping rubbish away from buildings and disposing of cigarettes properly, can reduce the risk of serious fires.

“If you are concerned about fire safety, you can report this to us, and we will investigate.

“I encourage businesses to visit our fire safety resources for business page for information and guidance on how to keep their premises, customers and staff safe from fire and other risks.

Landlords, housing associations and businesses should ensure:

fire risk assessments are carried out where required
communal areas and escape routes remain clear at all times
fire alarms and suppression systems are working correctly
appropriate mitigation and waste management plans are in place.

For more information on waste disposal during the strikes, visit Birmingham City Council’s website.

In an emergency, always call 999 or 112.