Soaring number of fires at recycling centres blamed on vape batteries
Evening Standard
Over 1,500 recycling centre fires yearly, over a third linked to vape batteries, costing £1 bn.Summary
According to Environment Services Association data, 1,518 fires occurred in UK recycling centres in the year to March 2026, of which 541 were directly caused by lithium‑ion batteries and 216 occurred in bin lorries; experts believe the true figure may be around 70% of all fires. The ESA proposes a £5 deposit on vape purchases to encourage safe return and recycling, citing rising risks to workers and infrastructure. The London Fire Brigade notes the growing burden on firefighters, while fire expert Dr Francesco Restuccia describes the trend as exponential, attributing it to the widespread, careless disposal of lithium batteries in everyday devices such as vapes, phones, toys and toothbrushes.
(Source：Evening Standard)
