Battery Fires Surge in East London Waste Sites

Waste sites in east London experienced a 52% increase in battery fires over the last twelve months, according to the East London Waste Authority (ELWA). This surge has prompted a public awareness campaign, including a roadshow touring various boroughs, to educate residents on the dangers of incorrect battery disposal.

The Scale of the Problem

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ELWA estimates that approximately 48 million batteries and small electrical items were incorrectly placed in household bins across London last year. Research conducted by polling firm Censuswide found that 57% of 1,000 east London residents interviewed admitted to disposing of at least one small electrical item in their general rubbish within the past twelve months. These items often contain lithium-ion batteries, which can ignite when damaged during the waste collection and processing stages.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reports attending fires involving bin lorries on a weekly basis. Richard Field, LFB's deputy assistant commissioner, highlighted the significant risks and the time-consuming nature of resolving such incidents, which can lead to waste being temporarily stored in residential areas. The LFB has also responded to numerous large-scale fires at waste disposal facilities across the capital in recent years.

Campaign to Raise Awareness

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The current roadshow utilises interactive installations and costumed characters to visit public spaces, aiming to inform people about identifying hidden batteries in everyday items like vapes, headphones, toys, and electric toothbrushes. Councillor Jo Blackman, chair of ELWA, emphasised that simple changes in household disposal habits can significantly improve the safety of waste management staff and the public.

The campaign targets boroughs within the ELWA operational area, which includes Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, and Redbridge. The initiative seeks to address the growing concern among waste and recycling operators regarding the dangers posed by improperly discarded batteries.