Battery fires prompt safety warning. Think before you bin.

 

 

We’ve teamed up with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue to urge everyone to dispose of batteries, vapes and electrical items correctly after a rise in fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in waste collections and recycling facilities.

Since January 2026, there have been eight fires at Somerset waste facilities or on collection vehicles, with four caused by incorrectly disposed batteries and vapes. These items can be damaged during collection and processing, causing them to overheat and ignite.

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in everyday items such as mobile phones, laptops, power tools, toys and e-bikes.

Please, never place loose batteries, vapes or electrical items in your general rubbish bin.

Residents are reminded to:

• Never place loose batteries or electrical items, including those containing batteries in general waste bins.
• Use designated battery and vape recycling points, often available in supermarkets, or place them in a small, clear tied bag and leave on top of recycling boxes for kerbside collection.
• Take unwanted electrical items to local recycling centres.
• Small electrical items (excluding monitors, TVs or microwaves) can be collected from the kerbside, they should be left in carrier bags for collection.
• Residents can use the online lookup at recycleyourelectricals.org.uk for your nearest battery and electrical drop-off points.

For more information on safely recycling lithium-ion batteries and electrical items, visit our Waste pages