"We can't stress enough the importance of properly recycling batteries," said US Fire Battalion Chief Ivan Browning last month.

The growing trend towards fires triggered by batteries has led to fire experts from around the world to highlight the dangers of the items and the importance of treating them correctly.

Closer to home and in December Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) assistant chief officer Jon Henderson echoed these sentiments as he explained that "these items should be used safely and treated with respect as, when damaged or faulty, the batteries can cause significant fires which could have devastating results for you, your family and your home."

North Herts Council put out communications after Christmas with a picture of a rubbish truck on fire and a message urging residents to take batteries to local recycling centres or collection points – like the one in Sainsbury's supermarket in town.