Mid and East Antrim residents urged to recycle batteries and vapes safely after series of fire near-misses

Electrical recycling point at one of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Household Recycling Centres (HRC)

Residents across Mid and East Antrim are being urged to take extra care when disposing of batteries, vapes and electrical items after a series of potentially dangerous fire incidents at the borough’s Household Recycling Centres.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council says several recent near-misses have been caused by items being placed in the wrong recycling containers, with batteries and disposable vapes sparking, smouldering or catching fire after being crushed.

While no one was injured, the council says the incidents highlight a growing safety concern for staff, visitors and waste collection vehicles.

Hidden fire hazard

Lithium-ion batteries, found in everyday items such as mobile phones, laptops, power tools, toys, e-scooters, e-cigarettes and disposable vapes, can ignite without warning if they are damaged, crushed or exposed to heat.

The council warned that full or partially full aerosol cans also present a fire risk if disposed of incorrectly, while hot ash from barbecues or household fires should never be placed in black bins because it can continue smouldering long after it appears to have cooled.

Although the issue has affected recycling centres locally, the council said similar battery-related fires are becoming an increasing problem across the UK waste sector.

Mayor: ‘Even a small battery can cause a major fire’

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said the recent incidents demonstrate how seemingly small items can have serious consequences.

“Even a small battery can cause a major fire.

“When batteries or vapes are hidden inside bags of waste or placed in the wrong container, our staff cannot see them. Once crushed, they can ignite instantly.”

How residents can help

The council is asking residents to follow several simple steps when visiting Household Recycling Centres:

• Never place batteries, vapes, electronics or full or partially full aerosols in general waste or mixed recycling containers.

• Remove batteries from electrical devices where possible before recycling them.

• Use the dedicated battery recycling points provided at Household Recycling Centres.

• Place disposable and rechargeable vapes in the designated vape or small electricals container.

• Take small electrical items, including phones, chargers, remote controls, toys, kitchen gadgets and e-cigarettes, to the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) recycling area.

Proper disposal allows batteries and electronic equipment to be dismantled safely, valuable materials to be recovered and hazardous components to be handled correctly, reducing the risk of fires in skips, compactors and refuse collection vehicles.

Public support needed

Mayor Gordon said preventing future incidents depends on residents disposing of these items responsibly.

“We need the public’s help to prevent avoidable fires.

“By placing batteries, vapes, full or partially full aerosols and electrical items in the correct containers, residents can protect staff, safeguard our facilities and support responsible recycling. If a resident is unsure how to responsibly dispose of electronics, vapes, batteries or aerosols they are encouraged to ask a staff member.”

The council said it appreciates residents’ continued commitment to recycling responsibly and hopes greater awareness will help eliminate avoidable fires at its Household Recycling Centres before someone is seriously injured.

Reader information

Residents who are unsure where to dispose of batteries, electrical items, vapes or aerosols should speak to a member of staff at any Mid and East Antrim Household Recycling Centre for guidance before placing items in a recycling container.