Council warns against battery disposal in bins
South Norfolk Council is urging residents to avoid placing batteries in household bins following a recent incident where an e-scooter battery caused a fire in a bin lorry. The fire, which occurred last week, posed a significant danger to the public and refuse workers.
Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident highlights the severe risks associated with incorrect battery or electrical equipment disposal.
South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Safer Environment, Cllr Keith Kiddie said:
"Bin lorry fires are on the increase and pose a real threat to the public and our refuse workers. It is crucial that lithium batteries, which are in products such as e-bikes and e-scooters are disposed of responsibly. Please do not put them in the household waste bins.”
According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, there were over 1,200 battery fires in bin lorries and waste sites across the UK in the 12 months before May last year.
Lithium batteries are commonly found in items such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes, e-cigarettes, vapes and hoverboards. These batteries should be recycled at Norfolk County Council’s recycling centres.
For more information on battery disposal please visit our Where can I recycle more page.
Published: 8 April 2025