Battery recycling scheme to start next month

South Kesteven District Council is introducing a battery recycling scheme after bin lorry fires

A kerbside battery recycling scheme, designed to reduce the risk of bin fires, will launch in South Kesteven next month, a council said.

South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) approved the plans last year and will launch it for households on Monday 16 September.

Batteries and single use vapes will be collected separately from general waste as long as they are left in a see-through bag.

SKDC said the scheme would help to improve safety for bin collection crews as well as supporting the authority's climate action and recycling targets.

The recycling scheme, which will see council vehicles converted and a public information campaign, is believed to be costing the authority about £13,000.

The plan was put forward after a series of bin lorry and recycling centre fires across Lincolnshire and elsewhere in the UK.

In March 2023, a SKDC bin lorry was forced to dump seven tonnes of burning rubbish onto a road after it was set alight by a discarded battery.

In addition to the council's recycling plan, all electrical items and batteries can continue to be disposed of at household waste recycling centres as well as dedicated battery bins in shops and supermarkets.

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