Safe battery disposal at the University
After news broke out of a large fire at a recycling centre near Ladybank in Fife, last Tuesday, we remind everyone of the need to safely dispose of batteries.
The fire is not yet put out and an investigation to determine the cause has not been completed. However, as the BBC notes:
“Household batteries, including those found in vapes, toys, headphones and car key fobs, are now one of the biggest and fastest-growing causes of fire in household waste and recycling in the UK.“
This is because lithium-ion batteries, contained in everyday objects, have a tendency to explode or ignite when damaged. When these are placed in regular recycling or general waste bins, there is a much higher chance of damage occurring during collection or processing. This is increasingly creating fires in waste lorries and recycling centres.
Fires in waste management centres present many environmental, social, and economic hazards, including air pollution and local health impacts, risk of injury or death to site staff, and equipment damage.
Therefore, we urge all staff and students to avoid putting placing any batteries or items with ‘hidden’ batteries in general or recycling bins. Dispose all batteries (including electronic cigarettes) in allocated battery bins across campus. Locations include the Student Union building, Main Library, School buildings, halls of residence, and in offices and shared work spaces.
If your building requires a battery bin, please request one through emailing [email protected].
