Councils Warn of Fire Risks from Vapes

Local councils across the UK are raising awareness about the dangers of throwing disposable vapes and lithium-ion batteries in household waste, which have caused multiple fires in bin lorries. Durham County Council reported four fires this year, including two in just one month, with lithium leaking from crushed batteries posing serious fire risks. Similarly, Newham Council noted incidents leading to explosions, emphasizing the importance of proper disposal of hazardous items. Waste management companies, like Veolia, are responding to a growing number of fire-related incidents, with over 1,200 battery fires reported last year. Residents are urged to utilize local collection sites for safe disposal as improper disposal contributes to both environmental contamination and workplace hazards. Recycling initiatives are also in place, with specialized programs aimed at recovering materials from vapes to prevent further waste and support sustainability efforts.