Vape recycling scheme launched to cut fire risk

Vapes and batteries will be collected by bin crews in Doncaster from this week

Households in Doncaster will be able to leave vapes, e-cigarettes and small batteries out with their recycling from this week to combat a "surge" in battery-related fires.

Residents have been told to put items in a sealed clear bag on top of their blue bin for refuse crews to collect.

Doncaster Council said the change was aimed at addressing a rise in batteries being dangerously discarded, which had resulted in a growing number of fires in collection vehicles and at recycling facilities across the UK.

Deputy Mayor of Doncaster, Glyn Jones, said he hoped the new service would remove the confusion for residents and reduce the danger to refuse crews.

Residents have been told packaging must be removed from any vapes and batteries, and that any loose wires or connectors should be taped.

Larger batteries, such as car batteries, must still be taken to household waste recycling centres, the council added.

Jones sad: "We know that depositing items such as batteries can often be confusing and, if placed in the bin, dangerous for our crews as they catch fire very easily, so we believe this move will have a dual benefit – help recycling and reduce the danger to refuse crews across the city."

The council said the following items would be accepted:

• AA/AAA batteries

• Button batteries

• 6V and 9V batteries

• C and D batteries

• Laptop batteries

• Mobile phone batteries

• Vape and e-cigarettes

Shane Atkins, from waste management firm SUEZ, said: "Putting batteries in household bins can cause fires in collection vehicles and at recycling facilities, putting crews and the public at risk.

"By collecting them separately at the kerbside, we can make sure batteries are recycled properly and safely."

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