Wednesday August 12th 2026
A bin lorry like this went on fire
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Catherine Hunter
The latest bin lorry fire in Glasgow city centre has prompted a warning to Glasgow residents to dispose of their electrical goods correctly.
GMB trade union convenor Chris Mitchell says the incident – around 7.50am on Jamaica Street today (Wednesday, August 12) – is the eighth to happen since the beginning of the year.
Scottish Fire and Rescue confirmed they were made aware of the incident at 7.59am and crews have since left after ensuring the area was safe.
The GMB and Glasgow City Council are now calling on all residents to take care and recycle properly.
Chris said: “Everyone has a responsibility to put the proper materials in the bins when they are emptying their rubbish.
“They have managed to get away with this eight times now but we are just one fire away from a disaster to be honest.
“I would like to thank the driver and crew for making sure that the risk assessments were followed and each worker and the members of the public were kept safe as it is a very busy thoroughfare.
“We are unsure where the electrical goods came from but the fire started after the bins at the student accommodation were emptied.
“I would urge people to be mindful of what they are putting in these bins, especially electrical goods. We have fantastic commercial and bulk uplift or recycling centres where it can be disposed of safely.”
Glasgow City Council says it is “vital” that people recycle their batteries properly.
A spokesman said: “This incident again highlights the danger linked to disposing of batteries in general waste.
“It is vital that we all take care to recycle batteries properly.
“Batteries can be safely recycled at a wide range of shops or at any of our household waste recycling centres.
“Staff followed the correct procedure by unloading the waste in the vehicle as soon as they became aware of the fire.
“This quick response ensured they were unharmed and minimised the risk of damage to the vehicle.
“The unloaded waste will be cleared as soon as possible.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “We were alerted at 7.59am on Wednesday, 12 August, to reports of rubbish on fire that was being carried by a bin lorry on Jamaica Street in Glasgow.
“Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances to the area. The rubbish was removed from the lorry and the fire was extinguished.
“There were no reported casualties, and crews left the scene at 9.02am after ensuring it was safe.”
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