As a new measure to improve safety at our waste sorting facility we'll no longer be recycling aerosol cans.
Since 2016 there have been two fires at our riverside recycling plant, and more recently, an explosion which was caused by an aerosol can.
To reduce the risk of fire and injury to staff at the facility, we're asking residents and businesses to ensure that from now on, aerosol cans are only put out with their general waste.
Don't worry, none of our waste is sent to landfill. It goes via barge to a different Thames-side facility where it's burned to power homes. The remaining ash is used as aggregate and for building, and metals in the ash are recycled.
How can an explosion happen?
When the waste is compressed into bales, sometimes the canisters can explode if they are still pressurised. These explosions not only have the potential to harm staff at the facility, but also risk causing a fire.
The risk is not confined to H&F's facility but is a problem faced by similar plants across the UK.
Please visit the Western Riverside Waste Authority website more information.