Wakefield Council is collaborating with Biffa and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYFRS) to address the battery fire crisis.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the hazards associated with batteries and electrical items such as vapes and mobile phones, highlighting the fire risk they pose when disposed of incorrectly.
In a statement yesterday, WYFRS revealed that in the year 2024/25, Wakefield saw nearly 85 tonnes of electrical items incorrectly disposed of in recycling bins. As a result, there were five fires in bin lorries across Wakefield and 46 at South Kirkby’s Material Recovery Facility during this time period.
As part of the collaboration, there will be videos, guidance and leaflets shared among the community which provide information about safe battery storage and disposal.
The campaign will also include the display of ‘eye-catching bin lorry signage’, reinforcing the importance of recycling electricals ‘responsibly’ to residents.
Emphasising the increasing ‘battery fire threat’ and its ‘significant risk to staff safety and public services’, the statement issues a plea to residents, reminding them to use the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling banks stationed at each of the 18 ‘bring sites’ in the area.
Cllr George Ayre, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate and Environment, said: ‘People’s lives are being put at risk by battery fires at our South Kirkby Recycling Facility and in bin wagons. We all need to take action to keep people safe, by not putting batteries or electrical items in any household bins.’
Drew Pearson, Biffa's Wakefield Contract Director, commented: ‘The UK is facing a growing epidemic of battery-related waste fires which threatens lives, vital infrastructure and the environment.’
‘While the vast majority of residents do dispose of these items safely, it’s really important everyone plays their part to prevent these types of fires’, he added.
Dave Burland, Assistant District Commander - Wakefield District, at WYFRS, said: ‘Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we rely on every day, but if damaged, misused, or disposed of incorrectly, they can pose a serious fire risk.’
‘When it comes to disposal, never put any batteries (including lithium-ion batteries) or disposable vapes in your household waste. Take them to a local authority recycling centre or a dedicated collection point at your supermarket. It’s a small step that could prevent a major fire’, he explained.
Sign up here to receive our free weekly news bulletin and quarterly e-book.
