A new campaign aims to boost safe recycling of electrical waste and batteries.
North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has teamed up with London Fire Brigade for the Lead the Charge initiative.
The pair have designed posters for bus stops, newspapers and social media to raise awareness of the importance of managing unwanted electrical items correctly.
These feature messages such as “phone batteries cause bin fires” and direct people to an online resource, recycleyourelectricals.org.uk
NLWA said lithium-ion batteries commonly found in rechargeable devices could become as hot as molten lava.
It added that toothbrushes, smartphones, e-scooter batteries, vapes and power tools were the most common electrical items incorrectly thrown in general waste.
NLWA chair Clyde Loakes said: “Throwing electricals or batteries in general waste doesn’t just stop them from going into recycling – it creates a serious fire risk that puts our staff, vehicles and facilities in danger.
“This campaign will help us keep everybody safe, while also ensuring valuable metals and plastics are recycled into something new.”
London Fire Brigade deputy assistant commissioner for prevention and protection Richard Field added: “Lithium-ion battery fires are a major risk and we are attending fires regularly involving waste in bin lorries. We’ve also attended significant fires at waste disposal sites across the capital, which we suspect are caused by lithium-ion batteries.
“We urge people to check with the retailer or your local authority’s website for the safest way to dispose of lithium-ion batteries in your area and reduce the risk of fires occurring.”
