Batteries and vapes in bins causing record waste facility fires

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 06:15 · Archive

Batteries and vapes thrown into household bins are causing a growing fire risk at UK waste facilities and bin lorries. Amanda Gale, bid manager and social value lead at Hills Waste, has urged people to keep anything containing a battery out of ordinary bins. She said the number of incidents this year was the highest they had experienced and warned they put both waste workers and firefighters at risk. "Batteries and vapes do cause fires not only in the trucks but at the sorting facilities," Gale said. "It's the highest number we've ever had this year. It's a risk to our staff and fire brigade that have to deal with it. Anything that's got batteries needs to stay out of bins." Electrical items containing hidden batteries, including vapes, can be crushed or damaged after being put into bins, potentially starting fires in waste lorries and recycling centres. The problem reflects a wider national concern. Figures reported in July by the UK Battery Fire Tracker, which maps every reported incident in the UK, showed that 2026 was on course to be the worst year yet for publicly reported battery and vape fires in the UK waste system. The Recycle Your Electricals campaign said there were more than 1,200 fires caused by binned vapes and electricals across the UK last year. Gale agreed that vapes were becoming a particular concern and encouraged businesses to consider dedicated collection bins for the items.

How it is being reported

• Warning issued as the items you shouldn't put in your bins are revealedItems being binned incorrectly have been causing chaos at recycling centres.Wiltshire Times · 12 Oct, 05:00
• Warning issued as the items you shouldn't put in your bins are revealedItems being binned incorrectly have been causing chaos at recycling centres.Gazette & Herald · 12 Oct, 05:00
• Warning issued as the items you shouldn't put in your bins are revealedItems being binned incorrectly have been causing chaos at recycling centres.Swindon Advertiser · 12 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Amanda Gale · Hills Waste · UK Battery Fire Tracker · Recycle Your Electricals · United Kingdom

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