Photos of gas canisters, batteries (inside and outside plastic bags), and vapes
Batteries, vapes, and gas canisters are amongst the items that pose a fire risk.

Incorrect disposal of electrical items, batteries, vapes, and gas canisters risk recycling vehicles and plants being engulfed in flames, endangering operatives’ lives.

An ‘all-time high’ of more than 1,200 battery fires occurred in the UK’s bin lorries and at waste sites last year, with the National Fire Chiefs Council warning:

“fires involving lithium-ion batteries are a disaster waiting to happen”.

Councillor Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) portfolio holder for Coast, Country, and Environment, said:

"The government's most recent recycling statistics show that East Devon's residents are amongst England's best recycling champions. More items than ever before can now be recycled, but it's important that you check where and how flammable waste can be recycled safely. Don’t be a Firestarter, recycle responsibly."

In East Devon, batteries can be recycled at the kerbside by placing them in a clear plastic bag in your recycling box. This way EDDC crews can easily spot them, ensuring that they are put into the correct compartment in the vehicle. Please do not put batteries in your general waste bin, as they may be compacted in the collection vehicle, posing a fire risk.

Small electricals are recyclable at the kerbside, but they need to be put into your recycling box. EDDC’s crews can then put them into the correct compartment in the vehicle. Please do not put electricals into your recycling sack or general waste bin, as they could combust during compaction in the collection vehicle.

The lithium batteries in vapes have a high risk of combusting if they are compacted. Please take your disposable vapes back to your retailer who should have a return and recycling scheme. Alternatively, vapes can be recycled at your nearest household recycling centre, run by Devon County Council.

Gas canisters are increasingly being discovered in recycling sacks. Whilst the recycling of household aerosols is encouraged, EDDC is unable to recycle fuel containers from the kerbside, due to their high fire risk.

During the summer picnic and camping season, more portable fuel containers are expected to be used. If you use gas canisters, please take them to a household recycling centre to be safely handled and recycled correctly. Do not put gas canisters in your general waste bin as they have a high fire risk.

For more information about how to dispose of waste, visit the A – Z on East Devon’s app, website, or ask Alexa.