Don't bin your batteries this Christmas says council
West Sussex County Council say we should use specific battery bins to reduce the risk of fire
West Sussex County Council is urging us not to bin our batteries this Christmas.
It takes just one battery to spark a fire, which often happen in waste collection lorries or sorting facilities.
Nearly a quarter of people across the UK admit binning used batteries, being unaware of the risks.
Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change said: “We’ve seen a rise in the number of fires from batteries or electrical items in collection vehicles and where we process waste - it only takes one spark to cause a blaze.”
“Both alkaline and lithium batteries contain hazardous metals and chemicals that harm the environment if they aren’t responsibly recycled – that’s why you’ll see battery collection bins at so many major retailers, and of course at our own Recycling Centres in West Sussex.”
Steve Read, County Council Director of Environment and Public Protection said: “Batteries pose a serious risk when placed into general waste or recycling bins and mixed with paper, cardboard, plastic or other recyclable materials.
"Lives are at stake, so our message is simple – please don’t bin your batteries and risk a fire this Christmas.
“It’s also important that people don't throw away old batteries from power tools, remote controlled toys, e-scooters, tablets, or any battery into their recycling bin. It’s extremely dangerous."
To find your nearest battery recycling point at a shop or supermarket where you live, visit the Recycle Now website and enter your postcode.
Recycling centres across the county will be closed from midday on Christmas Eve and will reopen on Monday 27 December.