Dispose Safe aims to address the growing national problem of lithium-ion batteries igniting inside waste trucks and recycling facilities. In Tower Hamlets alone, there were 23 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, 9 of which happened in our waste collection vehicles.
Across the UK, more than 1,200 bin lorry and waste site fires last year were linked to lithium-ion batteries, a 71 per cent increase in just one year, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: “This is not just a Tower Hamlets issue. It is a national problem that needs a national response.
“Every time a battery is thrown into the bin, it risks exploding when crushed inside a waste truck. That puts our frontline crews in danger, damages expensive vehicles and causes serious delays to residents’ collections.”
“We are calling on residents, councils and the Government to take this issue seriously. Through our Dispose Safe campaign, we are showing that prevention is simple: do not bin it, recycle it safely. Together, we can stop these fires before they start.”
Cllr Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said: “Our refuse crews have been placed in real danger by fires started from something as small as a vape battery.
“These fires are frightening, unpredictable and completely avoidable. They not only threaten the safety of our staff but also lead to missed collections and major service delays for residents when trucks are damaged or taken out of service.”
“We know campaigns like Charge Safe make a real difference. Dispose Safe continues that work with a practical, visual tool that any council can use to educate residents about the risks and prevent dangerous fires.”
“Local authorities are on the frontline of this issue; we need national coordination and proper support to protect waste crews and keep essential services running safely.”
The Council urges residents and partners to support Dispose Safe and help prevent dangerous waste fires through simple, safe battery disposal.
