Dispose of lithium-ion batteries properly, says fire authority.
The fire authority responsible for the Milton Keynes area has reminded residents to dispose of their vapes, electrical items and batteries properly. The call comes after a spate of waste fires were reported across the UK this summer.
Fire experts at Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service say lithium-ion batteries, found in everyday items such as mobile phones, laptops, power banks, electric toothbrushes, power tools, e-bikes and disposable vapes, can pose a serious fire risk when thrown away incorrectly.
When 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.
Fire can spread quickly in bin lorries, waste transfer stations and recycling facilities, putting workers at risk, disrupting essential waste services and causing significant environmental damage.
“Many of the fires we see involving lithium-ion batteries are preventable,” said Alex Mason, Prevention Lead, Bucks Fire & Rescue.
“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.”
The authority is asking residents to:
- Recycle batteries using designated battery collection points or recycling facilities
- Recycle unwanted electrical items through approved Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) 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 safe and recycle each item appropriately
Many people are unaware that disposable and rechargeable vapes contain lithium-ion batteries and electronic components, say experts. 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.
