Glasgow bin lorry fires spark calls to broaden vape and battery disposal messaging

Key Takeaways

• Residents warned that disposing of batteries and vapes in household waste can endanger refuse workers and trigger fires
• Glasgow City Council to launch a communications campaign next month on correct battery disposal
• Report cites at least five bin lorry fires in Glasgow last year, including three in September
• Lithium-battery-linked fires noted nationwide; lithium batteries found in vapes and electric toothbrushes
• Council says most supermarkets have battery return boxes; recycling centres and a dedicated web page will list sites

2Firsts, Feb 11, 2026

According to Hello Rayo, Glasgow residents have been warned that throwing batteries and vapes away at home can endanger refuse workers, as city bin lorries have been going on fire.

Glasgow City Council said it is launching a communications campaign next month to let people know they need to put batteries in special bins at supermarkets or recycling centres.

The report said there were reports of at least five bin lorry fires in Glasgow last year, with three occurring in September alone. It added that blazes linked to lithium batteries—found in vapes, electric toothbrushes and other goods—are occurring throughout the country.

At the environment and liveable neighbourhoods city policy committee, Glasgow Councillor Sharon Greer (Sharon Greer), Labour, asked a council official whether people would be provided with details of battery disposal points and whether staff receive training on how to deal with a fire.

A council official told the meeting that most supermarkets provide a box for returned batteries and said there are disposal points at the council’s household waste recycling centres. He added that a dedicated web page will direct people to other available battery disposal sites.

On staff protection and training, the officer said there is a work instruction staff follow if they encounter any incidents of fire within a vehicle, whether caused by a battery or other material. He said staff are aware of the instruction and would have been reminded of it after several incidents occurred within a short period late last year, which pushed the battery campaign forward.

A council paper reported to the committee said a communication campaign will highlight correct disposal methods to the public, aiming to protect the health and safety of collection crews, the integrity of council plant and equipment, and environmental protection. It also said campaign information is planned for bus shelters, the subway, the council’s refuse collection fleet, and television.

Image source: Hello Rayo