Recycle correctly to stop batteries and vapes becoming a fire risk
Published: 12 February 2025
Batteries have become an indispensable part of modern life, but did you know that incorrect disposal of batteries can cause environmental damage and pose fire risks.
To promote the safe disposal of batteries and vapes, Redbridge Council has teamed up with the East London Waste Authority (ELWA) to host a community awareness event at The Exchange in Ilford for International Battery Day on Tuesday 18 February.
Local people are being alerted to the dangers of throwing away old batteries in their household waste bins and recycling boxes following fires at waste and recycling plants across the UK caused by dumped batteries.
Batteries disposed of in household bins, or recycling boxes, can be unintentionally crushed or punctured at recycling and waste facilities.
When crushed some types of battery, including those in vapes, can get very hot or ignite, resulting in fires that put lives at risk; cause millions of pounds of damage; and disrupt local waste services.
And even if they don’t cause fires, if damaged, these batteries contain chemicals and materials that can harm the environment if they aren’t recycled responsibly.
- You can find out where your nearest battery recycling service is by heading to: https://www.recyclenow.com/recycling-locator
Local locations include Seven Kings Library, Redbridge Central Library, Sainsbury’s Convenience Store Gants Hill, Cranbrook Road and others that can be found through the locator link.
- Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre also has a dedicated Vape disposal bin. You can also ask your nearest vape shop about vape disposal.
To advocate the safe disposal of batteries and vapes in the borough, Redbridge Council’s Neighbourhoods Team is leading a community awareness event with ELWA on Tuesday 18 Feb, 10am-4pm on the second floor (opposite TK Maxx) of the Exchange in Ilford.
There will be info stands, activities and competitions to win rechargeable battery kits as part of the awareness raising event. Firefighters from Ilford South station will also be present with fire safety tips.
Head to Redbridge Council’s website for more information on recycling and how switching to all sorts of reusables and cutting waste can help save you money and help the environment: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/our-streets/
(ENDS)
