GAS canisters which may have travelled from the north of Scotland are thought to be behind a series of explosions near Dunbar.

The Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) at Oxwellmains, to the south-east of the town, diverts about 325,000 tonnes of “post-recycling ‘residual waste’ from landfill” each year.

However, concerns were raised after “multiple” explosions at the facility.

A spokesperson for Viridor, which manages the facility, noted that they processed waste “from across Scotland”.

They said: “From time to time, despite our robust sorting procedures, we see gas canisters enter our system.

“These canisters can cause explosions.

“Fortunately, our machinery is designed to contain these incidents and we can continue working once all safety protocols have been followed.

“Through our ‘Leave it Out’ campaign, we’ve called for residents and commercial users of gas canisters to make sure they keep them out of black bag waste and dispose of them responsibly.

“Gas canisters need to be taken to your local recycling centre or returned to the supplier.”

The issue was highlighted to Highland Council, which was told that there had been “multiple gas bottle explosions over the last few days at Dunbar ERF, which is causing concern and damage to the plant”.

A spokesperson for the local authority advised householders not to dispose of gas canisters in household bins but instead to take them to the nearest household waste recycling centre.