The Official Site of Sammy Wilson MP
Bringing East Antrim’s Voice to the Centre of Decision-Making
🚨 ONE BATTERY. ONE FIRE. ONE DISASTER. 🚨
Today I met with Sergio McKenzie and his team at McKenzies Metal Recyclers in Belfast to discuss a growing threat that is putting workers, businesses and entire communities at risk.
McKenzies are increasingly dealing with the consequences of lithium batteries being carelessly disposed of in household waste and scrap materials. When these batteries are crushed, punctured or damaged during the recycling process, they can ignite instantly, causing ferocious fires and explosions.
The damage caused can be catastrophic.
A single lithium battery can spark a fire that destroys machinery worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, shuts down operations, threatens jobs, puts workers’ lives at risk and places enormous pressure on our Fire and Rescue Service. In some cases, entire recycling and waste facilities have been devastated by fires linked to incorrectly discarded batteries.
Sergio and his team deserve credit for bringing this issue to the fore. They are on the front line dealing with the consequences of poor disposal practices, and their warning must be taken seriously.
What concerns me most is that many people simply do not realise the danger. Lithium batteries are found in phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, scooters, toys, vapes and countless other everyday items. Yet far too many still end up in ordinary bins.
This is not simply a waste management issue.
It is a public safety issue.
It is a workplace safety issue.
It is an environmental issue.
As your MP, I will be taking this matter further both in Northern Ireland and at Westminster. There is a clear need for greater public awareness, stronger guidance and better disposal arrangements to ensure these hazardous batteries are kept out of household waste streams.
⚠️ Never place lithium batteries in your household bin.
⚠️ Use approved recycling facilities.
⚠️ Think before you bin it.
By taking simple precautions, we can help protect workers, safeguard businesses and prevent potentially devastating fires.
#BatterySafety #McKenziesMetalRecyclers #PublicSafety #LithiumBatteries #NorthernIreland #Westminster #ThinkBeforeYouBin
I am continuing to work with MLA Cheryl Brownlee and remain in contact with both the developers and the Department for Infrastructure regarding the unfinished streets within the development at Highgrove.
This ongoing situation is causing understandable frustration for residents. Not only is it unsightly, but it also raises safety concerns for those living in and travelling through the area.
Residents deserve to know when these roads will be brought up to the required standard and adopted. I will continue to press all parties involved for progress and will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Today, MP Sammy Wilson MLA Philip Brett and Councillor Matthew Brady met to discuss the deeply concerning incident at Hazelbank Park in Newtownabbey, where large knives were reportedly displayed in a public space.
Residents are rightly alarmed by what has emerged, and there must be a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. People should be able to use our parks and public spaces without fear or intimidation.
There can be no room for two-tier policing. The law must be applied equally and consistently to everyone, regardless of who is involved. Any suggestion otherwise undermines public confidence in policing and the justice system.
This incident is wholly unacceptable, and we will continue to press for answers and ensure the concerns of local residents are heard.
Great to visit Larne Market with cllr Angela Smyth and meet the hardworking local traders and vendors supporting our town centre.
Every Wednesday | 8am–1pm
Shop local and support Larne businesses!
#larne #larnemarket #shoplocal #supportlocal #EastAntrim #sammywilsonmp