Advice on how to dispose of batteries from Cambs waste team

Lithium-ion batteries found in mobile phones, vapes and power packs on electric bikes or scooters caused the fires on bin rounds in Cambridge city and South Cambridgeshire.  

Now residents are being reminded to dispose of batteries safely and responsibly following the incidents which have happened since January.  

Batteries not disposed of properly were found to the cause of seven bin lorry fires in two districts of Cambridgeshire this year. (Image: Greater Cambridge Shared Waste)Bode Esan, Head of Greater Cambridge Shared Waste, said: “We’re seeing an increasing number of fires in the back of our trucks, and most are caused by batteries being put into wheelie bins.  

“The compacting process in the back of bin lorries can easily crush and split batteries – which go on to ignite or even cause an explosion.  

“Whenever a fire breaks out in the back of one of our trucks, our crews are put in danger as they must rapidly find a safe place to unload the recycling or waste to stop the fire engulfing the lorry.  

“Any member of the public around the vehicle is of course also put at risk.  

“We’re hugely grateful to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue for their prompt assistance on many recent occasions but we should all do our bit to prevent them being needed.” 

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Small household batteries can be recycled at home by being placed in a small plastic bag, tied shut and left of a household wheelie bin on collection day.   

They can also be dropped off batteries for recycling at supermarkets and other big shops.   

Larger batteries, like e-bike batteries, should be taken to the large Household Recycling Centres – where vapes should also be taken for recycling. 

Visit your council's website for specific guidance on how to dispose of batteries where you live.