{"id":24796,"date":"2024-07-08T13:56:11","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T12:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theelectroniccigarette.co.uk\/blog\/?p=24796"},"modified":"2025-10-10T12:14:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T11:14:56","slug":"lorry-fire-linked-to-disposable-vapes-how-to-safely-recycle-your-device","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theelectroniccigarette.co.uk\/blog\/lorry-fire-linked-to-disposable-vapes-how-to-safely-recycle-your-device\/","title":{"rendered":"Lorry Fire Linked to Disposable Vapes: How to Safely Recycle Your Device"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Lorry<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Local Welsh Firefighters have issued a warning following a fire that erupted in the back of a 13 tonne waste van.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Friday 6th<\/sup> June the blaze broke out inside a general recycling truck on the Newton bypass in Powys, Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service emptied the contents onto the motorway whilst putting out the fire. They discovered disposable vape devices that appeared crushed and damaged and concluded they caused the rubbish to ignite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lorry
Credit: Mid and West Wales Fire Service and Rescue Service<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service stated:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLithium-ion batteries are hidden inside many everyday household electricals, from laptops, mobile phones and tablets to electric toothbrushes, vapes and earpods. These batteries can become crushed or damaged in bin lorries or waste sites if they aren\u2019t recycled and can lead to a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot only do battery fires endanger lives, but they can also cause serious environmental and health risks (1).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research conducted by the National Fire Chiefs Council and Recycle Your Electricals found the number of bin lorry and waste site fires linked to batteries has reached an all time high. Since 2022 fires have increased by 77% to over 1,200 in the last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battery Safety Advice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Electronic Cigarette Company takes battery safety extremely seriously. We urge all vapers to practice battery safety and dispose of devices responsibly to ensure personal and public safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Responsibly Dispose of Your Vape?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a vaper, it’s important not to dispose of your ecig in a general waste bin\/recycling. Such devices contain lithium batteries, and when crushed within waste can cause serious fires as seen in Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can dispose of your device responsibly via a disposable vape bin or a standard battery bin. You can find such bins in local supermarkets and town centres. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The TECC and Totally Wicked<\/a> Stores will also accept any vape battery devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In line with the \u2018Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment’ (WEEE) regulations<\/a>, we offer a free recycling service for any old and unwanted products on a like for like basis.  This means when you purchase a new device from us you can return your old equivalent to our Accrington store or via post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to remember NOT<\/strong> to dismantle devices with built in batteries yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you wish to learn more about our return service check out our waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can I avoid a vape fire at home?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At The Electronic Cigarette Company we understand that seeing reports of fires suspected to be caused by vapes can be unsettling. However, by disposing of devices correctly and maintaining your kit you can easily avoid such issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 10 Tips for Battery Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n