Waste site resumes operations following Landmann Way fires

A waste management site on Landmann Way has resumed limited operations following two fires, as the Environment Agency continues to monitor the site.

SSSI Ltd restarted operations on Tuesday 25 August, although the building where the most recent fire started is no longer being used.

Lewisham Council says the building has been confirmed as structurally safe, but all operations inside it have stopped. The company is instead operating at a reduced capacity from a separate building on the site.

The Environment Agency, which regulates the site through its environmental permit, conducts regular inspections.

Additional fire prevention equipment has also been installed, while SSSI Ltd is working with the Environment Agency on further improvements and a longer-term plan for the site.

The company has also confirmed that it will no longer store mattresses at the site overnight.

Fires investigated

The Landmann Way site has been the scene of two fires in recent months.

According to Lewisham Council, the fire in June is believed to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery, while the cause of the second fire remains under investigation by the London Fire Brigade.

No residents were evacuated during either incident, although smoke from the fires caused concern in the surrounding area.

The council says it worked with the London Fire Brigade, Environment Agency and other agencies to provide public health advice while the incidents were taking place.

Two additional air-quality monitors are also being installed at nearby locations to strengthen monitoring around the site.

Council does not regulate the site

Lewisham Council has stressed that SSSI Ltd is a privately owned waste management and recycling company and that the council does not control its day-to-day operations.

The Environment Agency instead permits and regulates the site.

The council does, however, use SSSI Ltd as one of several external waste contractors, with some bulky and fly-tipped waste collected by the authority taken to the Landmann Way facility.

Household rubbish and recycling collected from residents' bins is not sent to the site.

The council says it will remain in contact with the Environment Agency and raise concerns reported by residents.

Warning over batteries in household waste

Following the incidents, residents are also being reminded about the dangers posed by incorrectly discarded lithium-ion batteries.

Batteries can catch fire when damaged, crushed or punctured during waste collection and processing.

Items including batteries, disposable vapes, power banks and electrical products containing batteries should not be placed in household rubbish or recycling bins.

Instead, take them to an appropriate battery recycling point, participating retailer, or the Reuse and Recycling Centre on Landmann Way.

Lewisham Council says it is continuing to work with the London Fire Brigade to raise awareness of lithium-ion battery fires, including risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.

The Environment Agency and Lewisham Council say they will continue monitoring the Landmann Way site and seek assurances that measures are in place to reduce the risk of further fires.