UK households are being urged not to throw battery-powered items, including disposable vapes and lithium-ion batteries, into household bins, as they pose a serious fire risk during waste collection, according to waste experts.
Why batteries can cause fires
Lithium-ion batteries can become damaged or crushed during waste collection and processing, which can cause them to overheat and ignite, putting refuse workers, recycling centres and waste facilities at risk. Everyday items such as disposable vapes, rechargeable toothbrushes, power banks, toys and even musical greeting cards all contain batteries and should never be placed in household bins.
James Ward, waste specialist at Wheeldon Brothers, said: "Many people don't realise that something as small as a battery can cause a serious fire once it enters the waste stream. When rubbish is collected and compacted inside a refuse vehicle, batteries can become crushed or punctured. If that happens, they can generate enough heat to start a fire in a matter of seconds."
Common items to avoid binning
Waste industry experts say some of the most commonly binned items that can contain lithium-ion batteries include disposable vapes, rechargeable toothbrushes, electric razors, power banks, wireless headphones, children's toys and portable speakers.
Ward added: "Unfortunately, these fires are becoming increasingly common across the waste industry and can put collection crews, recycling workers and the public at unnecessary risk. If an item contains a battery, the safest option is to remove it where possible and take it to a dedicated battery recycling point or your local household recycling centre."
Safe disposal advice
Many supermarkets, electrical retailers and household recycling centres now provide dedicated battery recycling points. Ward says this can help residents dispose of batteries safely rather than placing them in general waste.
Ward added: "Battery recycling has become much easier over recent years, with collection points available in many supermarkets and high street retailers. Taking a few extra minutes to dispose of batteries correctly can help prevent dangerous fires, protect waste workers and ensure valuable materials are recovered and recycled instead of being lost in a landfill. If you're ever unsure whether something contains a battery, it's always worth checking before throwing it away. That small decision could help prevent a potentially serious incident."
