People urged to dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely

People are being reminded about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries following a recent fire in West Cumbria.

Cumberland Council issued the warning after the blaze at Moss Bay Metals in Workington, believed to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery.

The authority said the incident highlighted the serious risk the batteries posed when damaged, crushed, overheated or disposed of incorrectly.

Found in many everyday items including smartphones, vapes, e-bikes and power tools, lithium-ion batteries can ignite quickly and cause fast-spreading fires.

Earlier this year, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service carried out a demonstration highlighting the dangers of damaged batteries.

A lithium-ion battery rapidly exploded and caught fire when subjected to pressure.

The council added that other batteries, including alkaline types, could also become hazardous if they were damaged, crushed or disposed of incorrectly.

Councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said: “The recent fire at Moss Bay Metals serves as a stark reminder that lithium-ion batteries, while part of our everyday lives, can pose a significant fire risk if they are damaged or disposed of incorrectly.

“Many people don’t realise just how powerful these batteries are or how quickly a fire can develop when something goes wrong. We are encouraging residents to take a few simple precautions, follow manufacturers’ guidance, and ensure batteries are recycled or disposed of safely.

“We appreciate that many residents already recycle batteries responsibly but taking a few extra moments to ensure they are stored, handled and disposed of correctly can help prevent potentially devastating fires.”

People are urged to follow manufacturers’ guidance when charging, storing and disposing of battery-powered devices and to never place loose batteries in household general waste or recycling bins.

Lithium-ion batteries should never be crushed, punctured or damaged, and those that are no longer wanted should be taken to a suitable battery recycling point or household waste recycling centre.

For more information about battery safety and disposal, visit https://recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/