Warning about recycling batteries after two fires at local tips

Wednesday, 9 November 2022 16:10

When they are thrown away hidden “zombie batteries” can easily ‘return from the dead’ and cause serious fires.

Both Coalville and Barwell recycling and household waste sites were forced to close temporarily earlier this year, after discarded batteries caused fires.

Now Leicestershire County Council is supporting a national campaign to tackle the growing number of serious “zombie battery” fires.

In the UK, up to a billion batteries are used and thrown away every year – equivalent to 10 batteries per resident.

When they are thrown away with the general rubbish, or mixed with other recycling, hidden “zombie batteries” can easily ‘return from the dead’ and cause serious fires.

Councillor Blake Pain, the cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, said: "We know most residents want to do their bit to recycle, and everyone in Leicestershire can help us to reduce the growing amount of battery fires by recycling them correctly.

"The more batteries that are recycled properly, the fewer will end up where they shouldn’t be"

Lithium-ion batteries are particularly prone to causing fires or explosions if they are not recycled properly.

This is the advice they are sharing:

Never put batteries in your general waste or recycling bins.
Only recycle batteries using a proper battery recycling service, such as at your local recycling and household waste site, or battery collection point often found in supermarkets.
Remove batteries from broken devices if you can and recycle both the battery and the device separately.
If you’re unable to remove the battery, recycle it together with your old electricals.

Residents can find out where to recycle batteries responsibly in the county, and more about the dangers of Zombie Batteries, by visiting www.takecharge.org.uk(link is external)