A blaze broke out at a West Midlands waste facility - the second in six months thought to have been caused by an exploding vape battery.
The fire took place at Biffa’s Materials Recovery Facility in Aldridge last week and officials from the waste management firm say they believe it was sparked by a lithium battery from a vape incorrectly placed in a blue recycling bag.
Though the latest fire, which took place last Tuesday (July 1), was quickly contained by Biffa’s onsite fire suppression system, the blaze at the site in January required the attendance of up to 60 firefighters.
South Staffordshire Council and Biffa are now seeking to remind people not to put vape pens, batteries, or rechargeable items containing batteries in normal waste, recycling bins or bags.
These items should be placed in a carrier bag and put alongside the grey bin at the kerbside, where bin crews will collect it separately on residents’ usual collection days.
Alternatively, they can be disposed of at household recycling centres or at special vape bins which can be found at most supermarkets.
Councillor Mike Davies, cabinet member for community services at South Staffordshire Council, said: “While the vast majority of residents do follow the right protocols when disposing of these items, it’s really important everyone plays their part to prevent these types of fires. So please remember, put vapes and items containing batteries out for collection next to your grey bin or take them to your local tip or supermarket.
“It is absolutely essential that everyone disposes of these items in the appropriate manner, to ensure the safety of themselves, their neighbours, our bin collection crews, those working at waste disposal or recycling sites, or indeed fire crews.”
Luke Walter, Biffa's Aldridge Materials Recovery Facility site manager, said: “The UK is facing a growing epidemic of battery-related waste fires which threatens lives, vital infrastructure and the environment.
“Whether discarded on their own or hidden inside electronic devices, batteries wreak havoc when they are thrown in the bin at home.
“We're therefore asking people to dispose of their batteries with care, putting them out in a separate bag on collection day, or putting them in special battery bins at supermarkets and household waste collection centres."
For more information on what can go in the bin – and where to dispose of items which cannot – visit this link: A-Z of recycling and waste | South Staffordshire District Council