Parliamentarians, councils and industry representatives have met at Westminster to discuss the growing number of fires linked to discarded lithium-ion batteries, amid calls for stronger regulation and government support.
A cross-sector group of parliamentarians, local government representatives and industry figures met at the House of Commons last week to discuss the increasing number of fires caused by improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries.
The round-table was sponsored by Alistair Strathern and co-hosted by North London Waste Authority and Electrical Safety First. Attendees included representatives from waste management companies, the third sector, retail and the London Fire Brigade.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in phones, vapes and other household electronics, are increasingly being identified as a major cause of fires in refuse vehicles and waste facilities when placed in household bins. Industry figures say damaged batteries can ignite quickly and reach temperatures of up to 800C.
MPs and peers attending the meeting included Calvin Bailey, Shaun Davies, and Lord Foster of Bath.
In his opening remarks, Mr Strathern said repeated fires at waste facilities in his constituency had highlighted the wider impacts on infrastructure, communities and the environment.
“These fires damage infrastructure and release toxic pollutants. We need action to ensure lithium batteries are recycled safely, always.”
“After repeated fires in Hitchin, it’s clear this is not a distant problem – it’s here on our doorstep,” he said. “These fires damage infrastructure and release toxic pollutants. We need action to ensure lithium batteries are recycled safely, always.”
Luke Osborne, technical director at Electrical Safety First, said unsafe batteries sold through online marketplaces were contributing to the problem.
“Fast electricals sold through online marketplaces are flooding the UK with unsafe lithium-ion batteries,” he said. “Government must promote responsible disposal not only through public awareness, but by placing enhanced responsibilities on producers.”
Councillor Clyde Loakes, chair of the North London Waste Authority, said policy intervention and government funding would be essential to reducing the risk of fires.
“The enormous risk of battery fires can only be curbed with the support of lawmakers and policy intervention,” he said. “That’s why it was so important to bring together experts from across industry to understand what that intervention might look like.”
Discussions also covered options including kerbside collections for small electrical items, deposit return schemes, consumer awareness campaigns and the growing waste stream created by disposable vapes.