Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is urging Somerset residents to think before they throw, following a rise in incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, which can cause serious fires when incorrectly disposed of in general waste.
To highlight the risks to waste crews, firefighters and communities, Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Roads, joined firefighters at the Material Recycling Facility in Evercreech, operated by SUEZ, Somerset Council’s waste collections contractor on Wednesday 22 July.
The visit highlighted the dangers caused when batteries and other hazardous items are placed in general waste, putting waste teams and emergency responders at risk.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in everyday items including mobile phones, laptops, vapes, e-scooters, e-bikes, power tools and children’s toys. When damaged during collection or processing, they can short-circuit, overheat and ignite.
Since January 2026 there have been eight fires in Somerset waste facilities, at either a waste depot or on a collection vehicle. Half of these fires were due to incorrectly disposed batteries and vapes.
These fires can spread quickly, are difficult to extinguish and can reignite after appearing to have gone out. Battery-related fires have occurred in SUEZ collection vehicles and at recycling facilities, disrupting services and creating serious risks for crews and firefighters.
Other items can also create fire risks. Camping gas canisters, can leak, ignite or explode if damaged during waste processing.
Kate Saint, Head of Prevention at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said:
Lithium-ion batteries are part of many products we use every day and, when used and disposed of correctly, they are safe. However, when damaged or crushed, they can ignite without warning.
These fires spread rapidly, are challenging to deal with and put people’s lives at risk. Separating batteries and electrical items from general waste may seem like a small action, but it plays a vital role in preventing fires and protecting our communities.
Matthew Canning, SUEZ Contract Director for Somerset said:
The safety of our teams and our communities is our highest priority. Fires caused by incorrectly disposed lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous items pose a serious risk to our crews, and facilities.
Waste fires can spread quickly due to the volume and variety of materials being processed, making them difficult to access and extinguish. This creates additional risks for our teams and emergency services.
We’re asking residents to help protect our crews by disposing of batteries and electrical items through the correct recycling routes. A simple change can make a real difference in preventing dangerous fires.
Councillor Richards Wilkins said:
Keeping our communities safe and protecting our environment go hand in hand. Fires caused by incorrectly disposed batteries can put people at risk, disrupt essential services and harm the environment.
By working with partners including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and SUEZ, we can raise awareness of this growing issue and encourage residents to make simple changes that protect our communities, waste crews and the environment.
Residents are reminded to:
- Never place loose batteries or electrical items, including those containing batteries in general waste bins
- Use designated battery and vape recycling points, often available in supermarkets, or place them in a small, clear tied bag and leave on top of recycling boxes for kerbside collection.
- Take unwanted electrical items to local recycling centres
- Small electrical items (excluding monitors, TVs or microwaves) can be collected from the kerbside, they should be left in carrier bags for collection
- Residents can use the online lookup from Recycle Your Electricals for battery and electrical drop-off points.
- For more information on safely recycling lithium-ion batteries and electrical items, visit somerset.gov.uk/waste
