Binning batteries and electricals can put lives at risk
Across the UK there has been an increase in fires being caused by batteries and electricals that have been thrown into general rubbish or recycling bins. Many everyday electricals - such as vapes, electric toothbrushes and children's toys contain hidden batteries and when these items are crushed inside bin or recycling lorries, the batteries inside can cause dangerous fires.
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Just follow these four simple recycling tips
These fires put waste workers, firefighters and local communities at risk.
What should you do with old batteries and electricals?
The good news is that it’s easy to help prevent battery fires. Just follow these four simple recycling tips:
- If you can’t fix, donate or sell your old electricals, always recycle them.
- If possible, remove batteries from old electricals and recycle them separately. Many supermarkets and shops have battery recycling points in-store.
- If you can’t remove the batteries, recycle the whole electrical at your nearest recycling point.
- Not sure if something should be recycled along with other old electricals? If it lights up, moves, buzzes or puffs and isn’t plugged in, it’s powered by a battery. Take it to an electrical recycling point to recycle it safely.