E-bikes, vapes in wheelie bins, sparks Midlands fire warning campaign
Waste bin company starts campaign due to surge in all sorts of dumped battery and electronic devices
A Midlands waste operator has launched a public awareness campaign following a rise in fires caused by batteries, vapes and electronics such as e-scooters being thrown into household wheelie bins, skips and public street bins.
Ryan Brothers Environmental Services said that items such as vapes, power banks, cordless power tools, e-bikes, and e-scooters are increasingly appearing in municipal waste streams and are now the leading cause of fires in the waste management industry.
The company says its Christmas STAR (Stop Think And Recycle) initiative highlights the need for action and comes ahead of the festive and New Year period, when it says houses typically dispose of old electronics and batteries while also bringing new ones into the home.
Facility Manager of Ryan Brothers Environmental Services, Bill Ryan, said the sharp increase in batteries, vapes and electronics is creating serious safety risks.
He said the improper disposal of batteries and electronic items “puts lives, property, the environment and businesses at risk”.
Mr Ryan urged the public not to dispose of batteries, vapes or electronic devices in household or public bins, but to bring them to designated WEEE battery collection points. He said many people do not realise how easily fires can start.
“A fire can begin when a battery is compacted/pierced in a bin lorry. If the casing cracks, it can short-circuit, producing intense heat and sudden flames. Inside one of our trucks it can spread in seconds,” Mr Ryan explained.
Waste Operator Alan Hassett is pictured with an electronic item that poses a fire risk if placed in a bin or skip. Pic: Paul Corey
Mr Ryan said preventing fires “starts with proper disposal” and that using the correct facilities helps protect homes, vehicles and recycling infrastructure.
The public is urged to visit www.weeeireland.ie for WEEE Ireland recycling locations and for advice on the safe disposal of batteries and electronic waste.