Residents in Norfolk are being asked to store small electrical items at home following a fire that has temporarily disrupted recycling services across the county. Norfolk County Council has confirmed it cannot currently accept smaller electronic goods such as phones, or chargers at its 19 recycling centres.
The disruption follows a major fire on 16 April 2026 at a facility in Thetford operated by Wiser Recycling. The blaze, which involved lithium-ion batteries, was significant enough to require 27 fire appliances from both Norfolk and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Services to manage. Because the facility has lost its official regulatory approval to treat and recycle electrical waste, the council is unable to legally process these items.
While the service is suspended for most small electronics, the council is still able to accept large household appliances, including washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, and cookers. Residents are urged not to put smaller electrical goods or batteries into their general household waste bins, as these items pose a serious fire risk if damaged during collection or processing.
The council is working alongside national regulators and industry partners to establish a new, legal way to process electrical waste as soon as possible. Updates regarding the restoration of these services will be provided as the situation develops.
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