Lithium battery fires cost UK recycling £1bn annually
Vape batteries are a major cause of blazes at waste facilities, with calls for a deposit scheme.
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Recycling centres across the UK are experiencing a significant increase in fires, with lithium-ion batteries from devices such as vapes identified as a primary cause. The Environment Services Association (ESA), which represents waste management companies, recorded 1,518 fires at its members' sites in the year to March 2026. Of these incidents, 541 were directly attributed to lithium-ion batteries, and an additional 216 fires occurred within bin lorries.
Escalating Costs and Risks
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Industry insiders estimate that the cumulative cost of these battery-related fires amounts to approximately £1 billion annually for the UK economy. Beyond the financial impact, concerns are mounting regarding the safety of waste industry workers, who face increased risks from these blazes. Patrick Brighty, head of recycling policy at the ESA, stated that battery fires are reaching 'epidemic proportions' and threaten essential infrastructure.
The ESA acknowledges that the reported figures may be an underestimation, as many fires leave no clear trace of their origin. A spokesman for the association suggested that while 40% of fires are known to be caused by batteries, the actual figure could be as high as 70%. The London Fire Brigade has also noted a rise in fires at waste disposal sites, often requiring substantial resources to extinguish and causing significant disruption.
Proposed Solutions
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In response to the growing problem, the ESA is advocating for a mandatory £5 deposit scheme on the purchase of all vapes. This initiative aims to incentivise consumers to return used vape devices and batteries to retailers for proper recycling, thereby preventing them from being discarded with general waste. Vapes are considered a significant contributor due to their affordability, widespread availability, and short lifespan.
Dr Francesco Restuccia, a fire expert at King's College London, described the increase in recycling centre fires as 'exponential'. He highlighted that lithium batteries are now common in a wide array of everyday items, including smartphones, children's toys, and toothbrushes, many of which are disposed of improperly. When a lithium battery is damaged or crushed, it can lead to internal short circuits, causing temperatures to rise rapidly until ignition occurs.
Notable Incidents
Recent incidents underscore the severity of the issue. A fire in Deptford, south east London, required the attendance of 100 firefighters, although its specific cause has not yet been confirmed. Separately, a fire in Ilford was directly attributed to lithium-ion batteries. Another large blaze in Bermondsey in June also saw over 100 firefighters deployed to a recycling centre.
Questions this report answers
+How many fires occurred at UK recycling centres in the year to March 2026?
The Environment Services Association reported 1,518 fires at its members' recycling centres during the year ending March 2026. Of these, 541 were directly linked to lithium-ion batteries, indicating a significant problem with battery disposal.
+What is the estimated cost of these battery fires to the UK economy?
Industry insiders estimate that the total cost of battery fires within the UK's recycling and waste industry exceeds £1 billion annually. This figure includes direct costs and wider economic implications, such as increased insurance premiums.
+What measures are being proposed to tackle these fires?
The Environment Services Association is calling for a mandatory £5 deposit scheme on the purchase of vapes. This would incentivise consumers to return used devices and batteries to stores for safe disposal, reducing the risk of fires at waste facilities.
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