No serious injuries or damage occurred due to the site’s fire suppression system, but as the disposable vape ban comes in today, waste minimisation officer Douglas Button issued a reminder for remaining single-use vapes to be taken to the Household Waste & Recycling Centre for disposal.
The HWRC has been receiving about 50,000 vapes each year, all of which contain a battery, which if crushed or damaged can cause it to ignite.
The fires are believed to have been caused from batteries, likely from discarded vapes. As well as items containing batteries, pressurised components can cause fires, explosions, and damage to waste collection vehicles and processing machinery if disposed of incorrectly. These incidents can put waste operatives, emergency responders, and the public at risk.
‘It is extremely important that any item containing a battery is disposed of correctly,’ said Mr Button.
‘We strongly encourage householders to take used vapes and vape-related products to the Household Waste & Recycling Centre, where a dedicated vape disposal bin is available.
‘Disposing of these items through household waste or recycling carries a very high risk of fire, which can endanger our staff and public safety.’
Incorrect disposal can also harm the environment as batteries contain traces of heavy metals which can leak into soil and water if discarded in the natural environment.
Electronics, gas canisters, flares, laptops and mobile phones should also never be put in general waste.
More guidance is available at www.gov.gg/checkb4uchuck.
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