Over 50% of Londoners have admitted to incorrectly disposing of old electricals in their household waste or recycling bins, according to research by North London Waste Authority.
The survey of 1000 Londoners also shows that 55% of residents have experienced signs of a damaged battery, which include overheating, swelling, hissing sounds, an unusual smell, or smoke.
The research from North London Waste Authority (NLWA) found that even when respondents experienced signs of a damaged battery almost a third continued to use their device.
NLWA said over the last eight months there was a 200% increase in fires caused by lithium batteries at North London’s waste and recycling facilities – six incidents were recorded in 2023, compared to 13 this year.
These include a major fire at Waltham Forest’s South Access Road Reuse and Recycling Centre in May, which closed the site and took almost five hours to resolve, NLWA said.
From vapes to e-scooters, we have become increasingly reliant on technology containing these rechargeable batteries…
Reacting to the research, Councillor Clyde Loakes MBE, Chair of NLWA, said lithium battery fires pose a “significant risk” to staff, buildings, equipment, the environment and the general public.
“If they (lithium batteries) are hidden amongst other rubbish and recycling, batteries can easily be crushed or damaged, which is why it’s so important to use a designated recycling bin, drop off or collection point,” Loakes said.
“From vapes to e-scooters, we have become increasingly reliant on technology containing these rechargeable batteries, so it is particularly worrying that there is so little awareness of just how dangerous they can be if you fail to take proper precautions.”
Loakes continued that the UK Government should introduce enhanced producer responsibilities among manufacturers without delay to encourage “appropriate and safe disposal”.
