Batteries and vapes thrown in the wrong bin are causing fires in the UK waste system every nine days on average this year, according to a new tracker published by battery compliance firm CellComply. The UK Battery Fire Tracker recorded an 88% rise in bin lorry, recycling centre and waste site fires between 2023 and 2025. With 20 incidents logged by early July, 2026 is already on course to exceed last year's total of 32.
More than half of all fires — 52% — started in bin lorries. Vapes are the single most identifiable cause, linked to 23% of incidents even after the disposable vape ban came into force. Researchers at Material Focus and the National Fire Chiefs Council estimate more than 1,200 battery fires occur across the UK waste system each year, which suggests reported figures represent only a fraction of the true total.
The advice for householders is straightforward: batteries, vapes and battery-powered devices must not go in general waste or recycling bins. Most supermarkets and larger shops have drop-off points for dead batteries and old vapes.
Source: Circular Online