We are reminding residents to dispose of batteries, vapes and electrical items correctly after a growing number of waste fires over the past few months across the UK.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in everyday items such as mobile phones, laptops, power banks, electric toothbrushes, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters and disposable vapes. While these products play an important role in daily life, they can pose a serious fire risk when disposed of incorrectly.
When batteries, vapes or electrical items are placed in general waste or recycling bins, they can be crushed, punctured or damaged during collection and processing. This can cause the battery to overheat and enter a process known as thermal runaway, leading to intense heat, fire and the release of flammable gases.
These fires can spread quickly within bin lorries, waste transfer stations and recycling facilities, putting workers at risk, disrupting essential waste services and causing significant environmental damage.
Alex Mason, Prevention Lead at Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, said:
“Many of the fires we see involving lithium-ion batteries are preventable. A battery or vape that appears harmless when it is thrown away can become extremely dangerous if it is crushed or damaged during the waste process. By taking a few simple steps to recycle batteries, vapes and electrical items correctly, residents can help protect waste workers, prevent fires and reduce the risk of harm to the environment.”
How to dispose of batteries safely
To help reduce the risk of fires, residents are urged to:
- Recycle batteries using designated battery collection points or recycling facilities.
- Recycle unwanted electrical items through approved Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling services.
- Keep batteries separate from general waste and recycling.
- Follow local authority guidance on the safe disposal of batteries and electrical items.
- Remove batteries from devices where it is safe to do so and recycle each item appropriately.
If a battery shows any of these signs, do not use or charge it. Seek advice from your local authority or a specialist disposal service on how to dispose of it safely.
Vapes are electrical items too
Many people are unaware that disposable and rechargeable vapes contain lithium-ion batteries and electronic components.
Used vapes should never be placed in household bins or recycling. Instead, they should be taken to an approved vape, battery or electrical recycling collection point. Incorrectly disposed vapes are an increasing cause of fires within the waste and recycling sector.
By disposing of batteries, vapes and electrical items responsibly, everyone can play a part in preventing fires, protecting workers and keeping waste and recycling services running safely. For further advice on
Advice for Waste and Recycling Site Operators
As lithium-ion batteries continue to be a growing cause of fires within the waste and recycling sector, site operators should ensure appropriate fire prevention measures are in place. This includes maintaining a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, implementing effective waste acceptance procedures, training staff to identify battery-related risks, and safely managing waste storage areas. Taking a proactive approach to fire safety can help protect staff, businesses, neighbouring communities and the environment.
For further information on fire safety at waste and recycling sites, visit here: Fire Safety at Waste and Recycling Sites – Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service