Lives are being put at risk and vehicles are facing serious damage as a result of people incorrectly disposing of their batteries, warns City of Wolverhampton Council.

The council has seen an increase in the number of batteries put in household and recycling bins for collection and this can have dangerous consequences.

Batteries can explode if damaged or crushed, causing fires which burn

very quickly due to other waste in the bin and putting everything around them in danger.

This can cause serious damage to bin lorries, delay collections and put the lives of those in the cab at risk.

Batteries are found in a wide range of items including vapes, toothbrushes, toys, phones, laptops and even musical greeting cards.

Residents across Wolverhampton are being urged to please dispose of their batteries correctly to avoid putting people in danger.

The council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (Tips) at Shaw Road and Anchor Lane accept batteries, as do many supermarkets and shops.

They can also be picked up for free under our small electricals collection service. Batteries need to be placed in a small clear plastic bag, such as a sandwich bag, and put on top of your household waste or recycling bin by 6.30am on your collection day. Bags need to be tied.

Residents can find out about the service at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/recycle-electricals

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This is a very serious issue for our waste crews and one that can be solved by people thinking before they dispose of their batteries, and other items which may contain them.

“These types of battery fires spread rapidly and can damage refuse vehicles, but more importantly, can threaten the lives of our workers.

“We need to send out a strong reminder to people of the importance of safe recycling. Please, please dispose of your batteries safely and think of the safety of others.”

Figures released last year by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the campaign group Recycle Your Electricals showed that battery fires in bin lorries and at waste sites in the UK had reached an all-time high.

More than 1,200 fires were recorded in 2023, an increase of 71% from 700 in 2022.Their research also stated that 6bn batteries were thrown away in the last year, over 3,000 a minute.