the hidden danger in your waste bin
waste wise by recyclapak
August 2026
Why batteries are becoming one of the biggest fire risks in the waste industry
We all know that batteries need to be disposed of responsibly.
But did you know that a tiny battery hidden inside an everyday electrical item could potentially cause a serious fire once it enters the waste stream?
From mobile phones and laptops to power banks, electric toothbrushes, vapes, tools and children’s toys, lithium-ion batteries are everywhere.
And when they’re thrown into general waste or mixed recycling, they can become a serious hazard.
A growing problem for the waste industry
Battery-related fires are becoming an increasingly serious issue for waste and recycling businesses across the UK.
Recent figures from the Environmental Services Association found that its members reported 1,518 fires at waste facilities in the year to March 2026, with at least 541 directly attributed to lithium-ion batteries. A further 216 battery fires occurred in bin lorries.
That’s more than 10 reported fires at waste facilities every week.
And the true figure could be even higher, because it’s not always possible to identify exactly what started a fire. (The Guardian)
This isn’t just an inconvenience for waste operators.
A battery fire can put waste workers, drivers and firefighters at risk, damage vehicles and equipment, interrupt waste collections and cause significant environmental and financial damage.
Why are batteries so dangerous?
Lithium-ion batteries can enter a condition known as thermal runaway.
In simple terms, if a battery becomes damaged, crushed, punctured or overheated, it can rapidly generate heat. That heat can cause the battery to ignite and potentially trigger neighbouring batteries to do the same.
This becomes particularly dangerous when batteries are hidden inside other items and end up being compacted, crushed or processed with other waste.
A recent fire at a recycling site in Ilford, for example, destroyed an industrial refuse compactor and around three tonnes of recycling material. The London Fire Brigade said the fire was believed to have been caused by a damaged lithium-ion battery in a refuse pile. (London Fire Brigade)
Another recent recycling-centre fire in Widnes was most likely caused by a lithium-ion battery from a disposable vape that had entered the waste stream. (Circular Online)
Where might batteries be hiding?
This is where things get tricky. It’s not always obvious that an item contains a battery. Common examples include:
Mobile phones
Laptops and tablets
Power banks
Wireless headphones and earbuds
Electric toothbrushes
Electric razors
Vapes and e-cigarettes
Children’s electronic toys
Cameras
Remote controls
Cordless power tools
Small electrical equipment
E-cigarettes and other rechargeable devices
Many of these items contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
And even when the item itself looks harmless, the battery inside it can become dangerous if it’s damaged during waste collection or processing.
What happens when a battery enters the wrong waste stream?
Imagine a small rechargeable device is accidentally placed into a general waste bin.
The bin is collected and the waste is transported to a waste facility.
During handling, the item may be crushed or damaged.
The battery can then short-circuit, heat up and potentially ignite.
That fire can spread rapidly through combustible materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics and other waste.
This is why battery fires can happen in bins, collection vehicles, transfer stations and recycling facilities.
London Fire Brigade has warned that lithium-ion battery fires can spread in seconds and that even batteries that aren’t inherently faulty can become dangerous if they’re crushed or damaged. (London Fire Brigade)
What does this mean for businesses?
For businesses, battery management should be part of your wider waste-management procedures. It’s important that staff know:
Batteries and electrical items shouldn’t simply be thrown into general waste or recycling.
Damaged or swollen batteries should never be treated as ordinary waste.
Electrical equipment containing batteries shouldn’t automatically be placed into a mixed recycling bin.
Instead, businesses should have suitable arrangements in place for the safe collection and management of battery and electrical waste.
The Environment Agency has also introduced updated appropriate-measures guidance for permitted facilities handling separate collections of waste batteries, covering areas such as acceptance, packaging, physical damage, electrical shorting and exposure to heat. (GOV.UK)
What can your business do?
A few simple steps can make a big difference:
1. Educate your team
Make sure employees know which everyday items contain batteries and why they shouldn’t go into general waste.
2. Keep battery waste separate
Have a clearly identified collection point for appropriate battery waste rather than allowing it to enter your normal waste streams.
3. Don’t ignore damaged batteries
If a battery is swollen, leaking, damaged or showing signs of overheating, don’t put it into a normal waste container. It needs to be managed appropriately.
4. Think about electrical waste too
Remember that the battery may be hidden inside the equipment. WEEE and battery waste often go hand in hand.
5. Use a suitable waste contractor
Make sure your waste provider is able to manage the particular type of battery or electrical waste your business produces and that the appropriate collection and recycling route is being used.
Recyclapak can help
At Recyclapak, we understand that waste isn’t simply about putting something in a bin and making it disappear.
Different waste streams require different handling, and battery and electrical waste needs particular care because of the risks involved.
We can help businesses identify suitable waste-management solutions, including WEEE and hazardous waste services, so that potentially dangerous materials don’t end up in the wrong waste stream.
If you’re unsure about how your business should manage batteries, electrical equipment or other potentially hazardous waste, talk to our team and we’ll help you find a suitable solution.
waste wise tip
if it contains a battery, don’t assume it belongs in the bin.
Take a moment to identify it, separate it and make sure it goes through the correct waste route. That small action could help prevent a very big problem.
Want to know more about managing your business’s waste?
Get in touch with Recyclapak to discuss a waste-management solution tailored to your business.