Following the fires in 2024 at metal recycling plant sites on Cadwell Lane and Wallace Way in Hitchin, a public meeting between the different stakeholders responsible for monitoring the site and the affected residents was held by Alistair Strathern MP and Councillor Ian Albert on Friday 28 March 2025.
Below we've collected some answers to frequently asked questions.
1. What caused the recent fires at Hitchin’s metal recycling plant sites at Cadwell Lane and Wallace Way?
The fires have primarily been linked to lithium-ion batteries, which can ignite if damaged or improperly disposed of. These batteries are increasingly used in electronics and vehicles and pose a significant fire risk.
2. How many fires have occurred recently, and where?
In the past year:
- Global Ardour Recycling, Wallace Way: 3 fires between September and November 2024.
- Nationwide Metal Recycling, Cadwell Lane: 3 fires between December 2023 and July 2024.
3. Why are these sites still operating?
Both sites operate under permits issued by the Environment Agency and comply with current conditions.
4. What actions are being taken to prevent future fires?
- Global Ardour Recycling has reviewed its Fire Prevention Plan and improved monitoring, including thermal imaging cameras.
- Nationwide Metal Recycling has voluntarily stopped accepting small domestic appliances, which often contain lithium-ion batteries and agreed to take further measures in collaboration with the Environment Agency (EA).
- North Herts Council (NHC), Herts County Council (HCC), Herts Fire and Rescue (HFRS), EA, local councillors, and Alistair Strathern MP regularly meet agencies and the with site operators to discuss the situation and find solutions to those safety concerns.
5. Who regulates and monitors these sites?
- EA: Issues permits, monitors compliance, enforces regulations and monitors emissions from site activities.
- HFRS: Manages fire incidents.
- NHC: Regulate the buying and selling of scrap metal.
- HCC: Are responsible for planning permissions and planning enforcement. They also coordinate waste disposal and public health responses and is also responsible for roads.
6. What are the health risks from these fires?
Short-term exposure to smoke from the fires may cause elevated air pollution. When a fire-related incident occurs, residents are advised to stay indoors with windows closed. Long-term air quality in the area is monitored, and no breaches of air quality standards have been reported. However, it is difficult to measure the specific impact of these fires on local air quality, as the area has different sources of air pollution such as wider traffic.
7. What is being done to address air quality concerns?
Regular air quality monitoring is conducted at the Global Ardour site and reported to the Environment Agency.
When there is a severe fire, HFRS will contact the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the EA who assess risks, with advice given to residents as needed.
8. Why are there so many lorries in the area?
The industrial estate includes various businesses in addition to the recycling centres. Some lorries deliver waste from contracts with HCC and other organisations.
Residents have raised concerns about traffic, debris, and noise. Authorities are aware and continue to explore improvements.
9. How are residents’ concerns being addressed?
A public meeting between the different stakeholders responsible for monitoring the site and the affected residents was held by Mr Strathern on Friday 28 March 2025. A further meeting is planned for June/July 2025.
Mr Strathern is also planning a meeting with statutory agencies and councillors at the end of April 2025.
10. What additional measures are being considered?
- HCC will be asked to review planning permissions to consider whether there has been a significant change since they were first granted.
- A review of operating/opening hours will be carried out as part of both the EA’s license review and HCC’s planning permissions review.
- HCC is exploring carrying out a public education campaign about safe battery disposal.
- A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) will be considered to evaluate the broader effects of the industrial site on residents, including independent air quality monitoring, noise pollution and a vehicle numbers survey.
- The feasibility of enforcing stricter regulations - such as time restrictions, tonnage limits, and increases of site monitoring - is being considered.
- The possibility of relocating the sites is also actively being evaluated.
11. What should I do with old lithium-ion batteries?
Do not dispose of them in regular household waste or recycling bins. Take them to designated battery recycling points, which are often found in supermarkets and recycling centres.
12. What should I do if I see a fire or have concerns?
In case of fire: Call 999 immediately.
General concerns: Contact the Environment Agency or contact us via our website or call us on 01462 474000 to report issues relating to the sites.