Mid Ulster District Council has installed signage at recycling centres in Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt to address fire hazards from batteries. The measures followed a fire in a black bin compactor at Magherafelt Recycling Centre, which the council attributed to a possible battery.

SDLP Councillor McFlynn, chair of Mid Ulster's Environment committee, addressed members at the April meeting. She noted that Councillor Denise Johnston, her party's District Deputy Chair, had requested the signage at the March meeting, days before the fire occurred.

McFlynn stated that staff prevented the skip from fully catching fire through their efforts. She described the March discussion as timely given the subsequent incident.

The council posted guidance on social media after the fire. It advised residents to remove batteries from electrical appliances before recycling to protect staff and reduce fire risks.

Household Recycling Centres provide containers for separate recycling of electrical items and batteries. The council instructed against placing batteries in general waste or kerbside recycling bins.

Batteries should go to proper recycling services, such as bins at retailers or schools. For devices where batteries cannot be safely removed, site attendants offer guidance on disposal.