Following a 71% increase in the number of lithium-ion battery fires across the UK last year, the campaign is designed to inform the public about disposal risks and ‘promote consistent battery-safety messages’.

The movement calls for ‘urgent action’ against the fires and seeks to raise awareness about the hazards they pose to waste collection teams, as well as their interference with service delivery.

Supported by an animated explainer video, accessible on YouTube, the campaign outlines how bin lorry fires are ignited and provides safe methods of battery disposal.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: ‘This is not just a Tower Hamlets issue. It is a national problem that needs a national response.’

He added: ‘We are calling on residents, councils and the Government to take this issue seriously. Through our Dispose Safe campaign, we are showing that prevention is simple: do not bin it, recycle it safely. Together, we can stop these fires before they start.’

Cllr Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, commented: ‘We know campaigns like Charge Safe make a real difference. Dispose Safe continues that work with a practical, visual tool that any council can use to educate residents about the risks and prevent dangerous fires.

‘Local authorities are on the frontline of this issue; we need national coordination and proper support to protect waste crews and keep essential services running safely.’

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