“In 2025 alone, Grundon has seen 41 battery related fires across our sites”
Each winter, we see a spike in electrical items containing lithium batteries enter our waste collection vehicles and recycling facilities – from Christmas decorations and vapes, to toys and gadgets.
Often the batteries are hidden inside products, so people overlook the dangers of just throwing these items away in their bins.
When lithium batteries end up in the wrong bin, i.e. general waste and mixed recycling, they pose a significant fire risk. This is because once the waste is compacted in collection vehicles or at recycling facilities, they can ignite, putting our colleagues, vehicles, facilities and communities at risk.
Reg Hodson, Head of SHEQ, who has witnessed how dangerous improper disposal of lithium batteries can be, is continuing to raise awareness of the problem and share his expertise on how to dispose of them properly.
He says “Last year, Grundon, alongside other companies in the waste industry, raised the alarm about this growing issue, but unfortunately, it’s only been getting worse.”
Statistics
In 2025 alone, Grundon has seen 41 battery related fire across our sites. Most of them have been dealt with quickly, thanks to our safety systems and fast acting teams, but all it takes is one incident to cause significant disruption.
Across the wider waste industry, the picture is even more concerning; in 2023/24 there were more than 1200 battery related fires – that’s around three fires a day – representing a 71% rise in incidents since 2022.
Our safety measures
Grundon’s facilities are equipped with advanced fire suppression systems designed to detect flame, smoke and heat, even when not visible. They use thermal sensors and release targeted water sprays to prevent a fire from spreading. Our site teams are trained to respond quickly, following procedures to keep people and the facilities safe.
See for yourself – Take a look at this video of the system putting out a fire preventing it from becoming worse.
However, even with these safeguards in place, the risk of a major fire isn’t completely eliminated. Prevention is always better than reaction. The best way to stop these incidents is to keep lithium batteries out of your waste in the first place.
How to dispose of lithium batteries safely
You can recycle batteries at dedicated collection points, often at your local household waste recycling centre, or in supermarkets or DIY stores. To find your local battery disposal point, click here, and then enter your postcode.
Some councils will collect batteries in a clear carrier or sandwich bag when placed on top of your bin on normal collection days. Please check your local council’s website for more information.
For all commercial businesses, get in touch with Grundon today so we can help you safely and compliantly dispose of your batteries on site.
Lithium batteries are a part of everyday life, but when they are disposed of incorrectly, they are dangerous. This Christmas and beyond, please take a moment to remove the batteries from old or broken items and recycle them properly at a designated collection point.