South Cambridgeshire District Council has issued its latest guidance on where households can recycle batteries, vapes and small electrical items safely.
Lithium ion batteries, found in small items such as vapes and electric toothbrushes disposed of in black bins meant for household waste, can start fires in bin lorries when the cells become damaged by crushing or piercing.
Figures from the Environmental Services Association show that around six billion batteries are thrown away across the UK every year – about 3,000 every minute.
The Council’s guidance is aimed at avoiding such fires, which put council workers at risk, cause costly damage and prompt unnecessary emergency service call-outs.
What goes where?
The guidance states that unwanted vapes should be taken back to recycling points in vape shops which have a responsibility to dispose of them. Vapes can also be taken to recycling centres such as at Milton.
Small batteries should be placed in a sealed bag and left on top of your wheelie bin on the usual collection day. Alternatively, there are small battery recycling points in some local shops and most large supermarkets.
Larger batteries, such as those from power tools or laptops and e-bikes as well as used car batteries, can be taken to Milton recycling centre or returned to some shops including Screwfix, B&Q and Halfords.
To find your nearest recycling centre visit www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk
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