UK Launches Battery Recycling Scheme to Reduce E-Waste and Fire Risk

A new initiative in Herefordshire targets safer disposal of small electronics and batteries.

Improper disposal of batteries is a growing environmental and safety issue — particularly lithium-ion ones. In response, Herefordshire Council in the UK has launched a battery and small electronics recycling service to address a dangerous trend: waste fires. With over 1,200 such fires in the UK in just one year, this move is seen as a crucial step in an eco-friendly charging and waste management strategy.

Battery Fires on the Rise: The News Behind the Action

Starting this week, residents of Herefordshire can now leave small electrical items and batteries on top of their waste bins during regular collection rounds. Items such as radios, clocks, and kettles must have their batteries removed and placed in a small plastic bag. According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), incorrectly disposed of lithium-ion batteries were the cause of more than 1,200 waste-system fires in the year leading up to May 2024 — a dramatic increase from 700 the previous year.
Fires have even resulted from improperly discarded vapes and other personal electronics, with incidents reported recently in Doncaster and Essex. The council’s new service aims to reduce e-waste, improve recycling practices, and prevent costly and dangerous fires.

Why This Matters for Battery Safety and Sustainability

Batteries — especially those based on lithium — pose a serious fire hazard when punctured, crushed, or exposed to heat, which can occur easily in garbage trucks or waste facilities. This program reflects a larger effort to promote low-impact charging and more responsible tech disposal across Europe. Recycling not only prevents environmental contamination but also recovers valuable materials for reuse.

For consumers, it’s a reminder of the importance of battery care and proper disposal. As devices become more compact and battery-powered, green tech accessories and sustainable handling practices are more critical than ever.

Devices like Lithium-IQ Casual can help reduce the frequency with which batteries wear out and are discarded. By capping the state of charge at safer levels (such as 80%), Lithium-IQ Casual significantly slows battery degradation in smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This means users can go longer without replacing batteries — ultimately reducing the volume of hazardous e-waste. Instead of routinely contributing to the recycling stream, users extend the lifecycle of the batteries they already have. In this way, Lithium-IQ Casual directly supports efforts to reduce e-waste and aligns with the UK’s environmental goals through preventative battery care.