Cambridge councils take action to prevent battery fires

As reported by Cambridge City Council, residents in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire are being urged to avoid disposing of batteries and electronic gadgets in their general waste.

A new campaign, featuring the national waste campaign character Hypnocat, has been launched on the sides of refuse collection lorries to remind people of the dangers of improper disposal.

The campaign comes in response to the rising number of fires caused by hidden lithium-ion batteries in discarded electronics.

In 2024 alone, seven such fires have already occurred in the Greater Cambridge area.

These incidents pose significant risks to waste collection crews, firefighters, and local communities.

The growing risk of lithium-ion battery fires

Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming increasingly common as more electronic items containing these batteries are discarded improperly.

When crushed in bin lorries or recycling centres, hidden batteries can ignite, leading to dangerous fires.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has described these fires as “a disaster waiting to happen.”

In the past year, over 1,200 battery fires have been recorded in the UK, a 71% increase from 2022.

These fires not only endanger lives but also cause significant air pollution, breaking WHO limits in local areas.

Councils promote safe recycling options

Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council are promoting safe recycling options for batteries and small electronic items.

According to Natalie Warren-Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licensing, residents can recycle these items at local collection points, including shops, recycling banks, and larger Recycling Centres.

For households with their own bins, small household batteries can be recycled by placing them in a sealed bag on top of their wheelie bins.

The campaign aims to reduce the risk of fires and protect both the environment and public health.

National campaign highlights the importance of recycling

The ‘Recycle Your Electricals’ campaign, supported by Cambridge City Council, emphasizes the importance of recycling batteries and electronic items.

Scott Butler, Executive Director of Recycle Your Electricals, stated: “With more and more products containing lithium-ion batteries, and battery fires on the rise, it’s vital that we stop these fires and reduce the air pollution impact that they have on our local communities.”

The campaign also highlights the economic impact of battery waste fires, with some insurance claims reaching up to £20 million.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.recycleyourelectricals.org to find local collection points for safe disposal.

Cambridge councils warn of battery fires in waste collection and recycling: Summary

Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council have launched a campaign to prevent fires caused by discarded batteries and electronic gadgets.

The initiative, featuring the Hypnocat character, aims to educate residents about the dangers of improper disposal.

In 2024, seven fires have already occurred in the Greater Cambridge area due to hidden lithium-ion batteries igniting when crushed in bin lorries or recycling centres.

The campaign promotes safe recycling options at local collection points and through the ‘Recycle Your Electricals’ campaign, which underscores the importance of reducing battery fires to protect public health and the environment.