The incorrect disposal of lithium-ion batteries is fast becoming one of the most serious and under-recognised fire risks in the waste and recycling sector. A recent report by BBC News has highlighted the growing number of fires in refuse collection vehicles and waste facilities caused by lithium battery devices being thrown into general waste.
These incidents are not isolated. They are increasing in frequency — and the people most exposed to the danger are bin men and waste operatives, working on the frontline of our communities.
Lithium-ion batteries are designed to store large amounts of energy in a compact space. When intact and correctly used, they are safe. However, when damaged, crushed or punctured — as often happens inside refuse trucks — they can enter a condition known as thermal runaway.
Thermal runaway causes:
Rapid temperature rise
Release of flammable gases
Sudden ignition or explosion
Fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish
Inside a bin lorry, where waste is compacted under immense pressure, a discarded battery from a vape, power bank, toy, tool or mobile phone can ignite within seconds.
Refuse collection crews work in close proximity to waste compaction mechanisms and vehicle hoppers. When a lithium battery ignites:
Fires can spread rapidly through mixed waste
Drivers may be forced to eject burning loads onto roads
Crews are exposed to intense heat, smoke and toxic gases
Vehicles and depots can be completely destroyed
In several reported cases, bin lorry fires have occurred without warning, leaving workers only moments to react. These are not theoretical risks — they are real, immediate threats to life.
Across the UK and internationally, waste operators are reporting:
Increased bin lorry fires
Fires at recycling and waste transfer stations
Rising insurance costs
Greater operational downtime
Heightened risk to staff and emergency responders
The common factor in many of these incidents is the incorrect disposal of lithium-ion batteries in general waste or recycling streams not designed to handle them.
Many people are unaware that everyday products contain lithium batteries, including:
Disposable and rechargeable vapes
Power banks
Mobile phones and tablets
Wireless headphones
Toys and novelty gadgets
E-bikes and scooter batteries
Hand tools and power tool packs
If a device is rechargeable — or even appears electronic — it should never go into a general waste bin.
While environmental responsibility is important, this issue goes beyond sustainability. Incorrect disposal of lithium batteries is a serious worker safety risk.
Every battery placed in the wrong bin increases the likelihood of:
Injury to bin crews
Fires in public spaces
Damage to critical infrastructure
Emergency service call-outs
Protecting waste workers starts with public awareness and correct disposal behaviour.
Traditional fire suppression methods are often ineffective against lithium-ion battery fires. Specialist solutions are designed to:
Cool the battery cells
Prevent re-ignition
Contain thermal runaway
Protect people and surrounding assets
As lithium batteries become more widespread, fire safety strategies must evolve at the same pace.
Bin men and waste workers perform a vital service, often unseen. Ensuring their safety requires action from:
Households
Businesses
Local authorities
Manufacturers
Regulators
Correct lithium battery disposal is a small action that can prevent life-threatening incidents.
If you would like to learn more about lithium-ion battery fire risks, containment, or suppression solutions for high-risk environments, contact AVD Fire for expert guidance and support.
Lithium batteries don’t belong in the bin — lives depend on it.
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