Urgent warning issued over ‘exploding zombie batteries’ in vapes
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E-cigarette users have been warned not to throw their old devices into bins after new figures emerged revealing exploding “zombie batteries” continue to pile up in landfills across the UK.
When devices are improperly disposed of in waste or recycling bins, there is a risk that the lithium-ion batteries inside will “come to life”, leading to them being dubbed “zombie batteries” by experts this Halloween.
Biffa, the country’s largest waste management company, said an average of 7,000 e-cigarettes a day – the equivalent of almost 300 e-cigarettes per hour – end up in landfill. Since the disposable vape ban came into force this summer, the company said it had seen an increase in the number of vapes of all types at its four major sites in Teeside, Walsall, Ipswich and North London.
Batteries are at risk of being crushed by trucks, causing them to explode dangerously in rubbish bins or landfills. This can cause serious harm to workers, the environment and equipment, as well as disrupt services.
More than 180 fires have broken out at Biffa’s UK premises since June alone, according to data the company shared with consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First.
Luke Walter, manager of Biffa’s Aldridge material recovery facility in Walsall, experienced first-hand the devastation these fires can cause after an improperly disposed e-cigarette containing a lithium-ion battery exploded.
The fire put the plant out of action for six months and left Biffa with a multi-million pound repair and rebuild bill.
Mr Walter said: “The fire here in January was particularly devastating. The most important thing was that everyone got home safely but understandably the immediate concern was occupational safety.”
“The site is now fully operational again and while we remain extremely cautious about fire risks, the danger will remain as long as lithium-ion or alkaline batteries stored in small electrical devices such as e-cigarettes continue to be disposed of in general waste and recycling bins.”
More than 840,000 e-cigarettes were discovered at four Biffa landfills between June and September this year. About 20,000 more fossils were found in August and September than in June and July.
When batteries are punctured, they can collapse in a process called thermal runaway, causing them to reach dangerously high temperatures and igniting raging fires.
Experts have warned that “this year’s biggest Halloween scare could be lurking in your bin” and urged consumers to make sure they dispose of e-cigarettes correctly.
Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at the charity Electrical Safety First, said: “Improper disposal of e-cigarettes in general household waste or recycling can have very real and frightening consequences for waste collection workers who are just trying to do their job.
“Every household can help turn the tide on this problem, one action at a time. We urge all households to stop, think and not throw away the battery.”
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The charity added that this Halloween, battery-powered decorations, light-up costumes and novelty gadgets could also become dangerous if batteries are disposed of incorrectly and damaged.
Here’s how to make sure your battery doesn’t turn into a “zombie” this Halloween:
Electrical Safety First and Biffa share expert tips for homes:
- Recycle e-cigarettes in store rather than throwing away the battery: All retailers selling e-cigarettes in the UK must take your old e-cigarette back for recycling.
- At your local recycling centre: Many household waste and recycling centers have facilities for electricity and batteries. If your product has a removable battery, recycle it separately.
- Find your nearest battery recycling facility: www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk To find your local recycling point that has the capacity to accept batteries.
