Protecting a High-Risk, High-Volume Environment
TP Fire & Security has successfully completed a full advanced fire detection system upgrade at the Islington Waste Recycling Centre, one of North London’s busiest facilities. Operated by Islington Council, the site processes part of a wider network handling approximately 820,000 tonnes of waste annually.
Waste and recycling centres present unique fire risks due to the volume and variety of combustible materials, including plastics, cardboard, wood and rubber. These risks have intensified in recent years with the growing presence of lithium-ion batteries, particularly from disposable vapes, increasing the likelihood of ignition.
A Longstanding Partnership with Islington Council
As a trusted fire safety partner to Islington Council, TP Fire & Security was appointed to replace the site’s outdated 20-year-old fire detection system. The objective was to deliver a modern, high-performance solution capable of operating reliably in a challenging, dust-heavy environment.
Drawing on its expertise, TP Fire & Security specified and installed a system built around Siemens Cerberus PRO, a proven platform designed for complex and high-risk applications. This ensured the solution was not only compliant, but also future-ready.
Designed for Harsh, Dust-Heavy Conditions
One of the primary challenges at the facility is the constant presence of dust, which can compromise traditional fire detection systems and lead to frequent false alarms. TP Fire & Security addressed this by specifying a solution built around Siemens Cerberus PRO, incorporating Siemens ASA (Advanced Signal Analysis) detectors.
These intelligent detectors are designed to adapt to the specific conditions of each site through application-specific parameter settings. This enables them to accurately distinguish between genuine fire events and environmental factors such as dust, ensuring reliable detection while significantly reducing false alarms.
Efficient Installation with Zero Downtime
The project was completed in around seven days, with all installation work carried out while the recycling centre remained fully operational. TP Fire & Security carefully planned and executed the rollout to avoid disruption, demonstrating its ability to deliver within live, high-pressure environments.
The installed Siemens system now provides comprehensive coverage across all key areas, including the basement, tipping hall, plant rooms and office spaces, integrating seamlessly with existing infrastructure.
Delivering Reliable, Future-Proof Fire Protection
"The Cerberus Pro system was perfect for this environment, with the detectors’ particular capability to operate in such a dusty environment. The project went very well, taking some seven days to complete, all while the waste facility was open and operational."
Kevin Harris, Technical Design Manager at TP Fire & Security
By working closely with technology partners and adhering to all relevant fire safety standards, TP Fire & Security has delivered a robust, future-proof system that enhances protection for both the facility and its staff.
We specialise in designing and installing fire safety systems for complex, high-risk sites. From recycling centres to industrial facilities, we deliver reliable protection tailored to your environment.
Get in touch today to discuss your requirements and arrange a site assessment.


