UK Recycling Plant Fire Linked to E-Cigarette Lithium Battery; Authorities Urge Proper Disposal

Jul.09.2025

A fire at Biffa’s materials recycling facility in Westgate on July 1 was likely sparked by a lithium battery from an e-cigarette discarded in a blue recycling bag. The blaze was quickly contained. The site had also seen a fire in January that required 60 firefighters. South Staffordshire Council and Biffa are urging the public not to dispose of e-cigarettes, batteries, or similar items in regular waste or recycling bins, but to use designated disposal points instead.

Key points:

·A fire at the Westgate recycling facility is suspected to have been caused by e-cigarette lithium batteries, with a similar incident occurring in January.

·Authorities advise against disposing of e-cigarettes and batteries in regular trash or recycling bins.

·These items should be placed separately next to the grey garbage bin or taken to a designated recycling drop-off point.

【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report from Express&Star on July 8, a fire broke out on July 1 at the Biffa materials recycling facility in Westgate, Staffordshire, United Kingdom. The cause is believed to be lithium batteries from e-cigarettes mistakenly placed in the blue recycling bag.

Although the fire was quickly brought under control by on-site systems, a similar incident in January required the deployment of 60 firefighters. In response, the South Staffordshire County Council and Biffa are urging residents not to dispose of e-cigarettes, batteries, or rechargeable items containing batteries in regular trash or recycling bins.

The correct way to handle this situation includes:

Place battery-operated items in a shopping bag and place them next to the grey garbage bin for collection by the sanitation workers on collection day.

Alternatively, they can be placed in specially designated recycling bins at home recycling centers or supermarkets.

Legislator Mike Davies emphasized that although most residents are handling things properly, everyone should strictly adhere to regulations to ensure their own and public safety.

References:

[1] Exploding vape thought to have caused second fire in six months at Aldridge waste facility

Also Read:

[1] Why Relax Alcohol Advertising While Tightening E-Cigarette Rules? UK Vape Retailer VPZ Calls Out PM’s “Double Standards”

[2] E-cigarette Explosion During Charging Causes Fire, Destroying Three Houses in the UK; Authorities Issue Urgent Warning

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