Environmental Reporter
Local councils and waste management companies are sounding the alarm about the dangers of disposable vapes being discarded in household waste. These hazardous items have been linked to fires and explosions, posing significant risks to refuse workers.
Recent incidents have underscored the severity of the issue, including two explosions in garbage trucks caused by crushed lithium-ion batteries found in vapes. Newham Council in east London reported a particularly alarming case where “an empty gas bottle ignited in a waste collection vehicle,” resulting in an explosion that injured a crew member.
Veolia, a leading waste management company, has revealed that it encounters a fire every day at its recycling facilities. Rachel Jay, Veolia’s head of education, explained the risks associated with improperly disposed batteries, stating, “When batteries are placed in waste, they can spark during the compaction process, igniting flammable materials in the truck.”
As waste-related incidents continue to rise across the UK, authorities are urging residents to take potentially hazardous items to local collection points or retailers for safe disposal. Last year alone, over 1,200 battery-related fires were reported, highlighting the urgency of this issue.
Lynsey Smith, head of environmental quality at Newham Council, acknowledged the challenges faced by those without access to transportation. She encouraged the public to “spend a few minutes online to locate nearby collection sites,” which are often available at supermarkets or large hardware stores that accept battery returns.
Items that should be responsibly disposed of at recycling centers include vapes, electrical devices with batteries or plugs, and gas bottles. Proper disposal is essential to prevent dangerous incidents and protect both waste workers and the community at large.
Zim GBC News©2024