Increase in vape-related fires at West Midlands waste facilities endangering workers' safety
Vape-related fires are increasing at West Midlands waste facilities, posing a risk to workers and communities due to lithium-ion batteries.Summary
Data from the West Midlands Fire Service reveals a concerning rise in fires at household waste and recycling facilities caused by e-cigarette batteries or improper disposal. The number of incidents jumped from two in 2024 to eight in 2025, with another incident already occurring in early 2026, totaling 11 fires between January 1, 2021, and February 11, 2026. Rob Watchorn, Director at The Fire Co, emphasizes that many people are unaware of the fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries when crushed, damaged, or incorrectly discarded. Michael Topham, CEO of Biffa, describes a “growing epidemic” of battery-related waste fires. Authorities urge proper disposal through dedicated battery recycling points, retailer take-back schemes, or Household Waste Recycling Centres, even after the ban on disposable vapes in 2025, as irresponsible sales continue.
(Source：Express & Star)
