Exploding vape batteries 'putting lives at risk'
Improper vape disposal, particularly lithium batteries, is causing fires, costing the waste industry millions, and endangering lives.Summary
The incorrect disposal of vapes is creating significant problems for the waste management industry, costing millions of pounds and posing risks to both livelihoods and lives. A Biffa recycling facility in Aldridge retrieves thousands of wrongly-disposed vapes monthly and experienced a devastating fire in January 2025, caused by a lithium battery from a vape placed in a recycling bag, resulting in six months of downtime for rebuilding. Luke Walker, regional manager, emphasizes the misconception that vapes are harmless and highlights the dangers of placing them in regular recycling. The cost of proper vape disposal is substantial, requiring specialist recycling, and the company has seen an increase in disposals following a recent ban. Authorities are urging the public to return vapes to retailers and to exercise caution when disposing of any items containing lithium batteries, as similar fires have occurred with other battery-powered devices across the West Midlands.
(Source：Yahoo! News)
