A rise in the number of refuse vehicle fires linked to lithium batteries last year has prompted the local authority to deliver a communications campaign about battery recycling next month.

The initiative, titled ‘Take Charge Glasgow’, will be delivered in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and aims to provide information about how to dispose of batteries safely in at dedicated recycling points in shops and at recycling centres.

According to the council, the campaign is designed to support the health and safety of staff and to protect public property.

Cllr Laura Doherty, City Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: ‘We have a responsibility to speak up and warn against failing to recycle batteries properly. Our staff, vehicles and depots can be put at enormous risk by one careless action.’

She added: ‘The message of the Take Charge Glasgow campaign is very simple. Never bin your batteries or vapes, always recycle at a dedicated recycling point. Information on where you can recycle your batteries and vapes can be found at glasgow.gov.uk/batteries.’

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