The United Kingdom has witnessed a concerning rise in the number of battery fires within waste management facilities. According to recent reports, over 1,200 battery-related fires broke out in UK bin lorries and waste sites last year, marking a 71% increase since 2022.
The primary cause of these fires is the improper disposal of batteries and electrical items. When these are tossed in with general waste or recycling, they end up in bin lorries. The compaction blades inside these lorries crush the waste to make space, and if batteries are damaged during this process, they can ignite. Lithium batteries are particularly hazardous, as they emit their own oxygen, causing fires to intensify rapidly and be exceedingly difficult to extinguish.
The report highlights a critical safety reminder to never dispose of batteries or electrical items in general waste bins. Instead, the public is urged to recycle batteries separately. Individuals can search for “Recycling Your Electricals” online to locate nearby battery and electrical drop-off points, ensuring safer waste management practices.
The surge in battery fires has drawn attention from various organizations, including the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP). These groups are advocating for increased public awareness and improved waste disposal methods to prevent potential hazards.
This issue underscores the importance of responsible recycling practices and the role of both the public and industry specialists in ensuring environmental safety. The statistics highlight an urgent need for action to curtail the risks associated with improper battery disposal.
Read this post on LinkedIn
