Surge in dumped battery and electronic devices sparks urgent fire warning
One of the leading waste management operators in the Midlands, Ryan Brothers Environmental Services, has launched a public awareness campaign following a rise in fires caused by batteries, vapes and electronics being thrown into household wheelie bins, skips and public street bins.
Items such as vapes, power banks, cordless power tools, e-bikes, and e-scooters are increasingly appearing in municipal waste streams and are now the leading cause of fires in the waste management industry.
The Christmas STAR (Stop Think And Recycle) initiative highlights the urgent need for action and comes ahead of the festive and New Year period, when households typically dispose of old electronics and batteries while also bringing new ones into the home.
Facility Manager of Ryan Brothers Environmental Services, Bill Ryan, said the sharp increase in batteries, vapes and electronics is creating serious safety risks.
He said the improper disposal of batteries and electronic items “puts lives, property, the environment and businesses at risk”.
Mr Ryan urged the public not to dispose of batteries, vapes or electronic devices in household or public bins, but to bring them to designated WEEE battery collection points.
He said many people do not realise how easily fires can start.
“A fire can begin when a battery is compacted/pierced in a bin lorry. If the casing cracks it can short-circuit, producing intense heat and sudden flames. Inside one of our trucks it can spread in seconds,” Mr Ryan explained.
He continued, “It only takes one vape or power bank to trigger a serious incident. We have had fires start while trucks were on the road, forcing crews to stop, isolate the fire and in conjunction with fire services, unload burning material to save the vehicle.
“There are far too many reports from around the country of waste transfer stations and recycling facilities experiencing fires caused by batteries and other electronics.”
Mr Ryan said preventing fires “starts with proper disposal” and that using the correct facilities helps protect homes, vehicles and recycling infrastructure.
The public is urged to visit www.weeeireland.ie for WEEE Ireland recycling locations and for advice on the safe disposal of batteries and electronic waste.