Sparking discussion: the truth about battery fires

What’s small but packs power? Lithium-ion batteries. Sometimes smaller than a baby’s hand, they are powerful enough to spark into explosive flames when pierced or crushed under pressure in collection vehicles or in rubbish or recycling sorting facilities!

Let’s talk batteries!

Whilst most people know better than to throw loose batteries into their bins at home, many don’t realise the dangers of hidden batteries, which are disguised and tucked away inside everyday electrical items. For example, did you know an electric toothbrush has a battery in it? What about your mobile phone, a toy that lights up, or a vape? is likely to have batteries in it. You can check your item here.

Why are they dangerous?

In 2023-24, over a thousand fires (1,200 to be exact!) in bin lorries and recycling centres were caused by crushed batteries (Material Focus). These fires can be explosive, dangerous and very difficult to control.

Dangerous

The explosive battery fires put human lives at an unnecessary risk, from the collection crew that empty your bins on your street, to the recycling crew who sort the waste, and firefighters at the scene. Toxic gases are also released which increases air pollution levels above safe guidelines from the World Health Organisation (Material Focus). This then affects firefighters, local people and wildlife.

Difficult to control

The scorching flames of battery fires cannot be put out using water, instead, the flames need to be contained and burned until there is nothing left (B&C Fire Safety). For example, a battery fire in South London needed 24/7 attention as it burned for 4 days, which drained limited resources and brought 15 fire engines and about 100 firefighters to the scene.

The aftermath of a battery fire…

Battery Fires can also create knock on effects down the waste management chain. Think road closures and delays in your bins getting collected. If the fire causes a recycling centre to go up in flames, there’s nowhere for the recycling to go and causes a delay of services for residents. In March 2026, this was the case for Bletchley, in Milton Keynes.

Why are they becoming more common?

The number of battery fires has almost doubled since 2022. Fast tech is one cause of the increase in battery fires. Have you heard of fast fashion? Just as clothes are made from cheap materials, worn once or twice, then binned or donated, this short ‘shelf-life’ is happening to tech too! Fast tech is often cheap, difficult to repair, doesn’t last long, and often binned.

The increase is also likely due to a rise in ‘hidden’ batteries, that people forget are there. Out of sight, out of mind! The gadgets many of us are so dependent on, like portable power banks, a laptop at work or a drill to fix your home, all contain hidden batteries. So, it is extremely important that we take every effort to check our electricals and recycle them properly, to minimise the risk of battery fires. Watch this video to reveal the hidden treasures in your everyday gadgets.

How can you help?

Here are our top three tips:

Recycle all your electricals, making sure to remove batteries first. Find your nearest recycling point for electricals here.
Spread the word! Tell your friends and family all about battery fires and why we need to recycle batteries properly.
Never put batteries or electrical items into your rubbish bin and be sure to present them as instructed, if collected in your household recycling collection.