Battery fires at recycling centres are costing UK £1bn a year, figures show
Summary
Fires caused by lithium batteries at UK recycling centres are happening more than 10 times a week and cost about £1 billion a year. Most of these fires come from wrongly thrown away batteries found in items like vapes, smartphones, and power tools, creating a big safety and financial problem.Key Facts
- UK recycling centres reported 1,518 fires in one year, with 541 directly linked to lithium ion batteries.
- Battery fires also occur in bin lorries, with 216 incidents recorded.
- Experts believe battery-caused fires may be as high as 70% of all recycling centre fires.
- The annual cost of these fires rose from £150 million in 2021 to £1 billion in 2026.
- Lithium batteries can ignite when crushed or punctured, causing fires that are difficult to control.
- Many fires have happened recently in locations across the UK, including London, Glasgow, and Norfolk.
- The Environment Services Association wants a £5 deposit on all vapes to encourage safe returns and disposal.
- Waste company Biffa recovered 500,000 vapes at its centres over summer 2025 alone.
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