Glasgow bin lorry fires prompt calls for wider vape disposal campaign

Throwing batteries and vapes away at home can endanger refuse workers, Glasgow residents have been warned, as city bin lorries have been going on fire.

The city council is launching a communications campaign next month to let people know they need to put batteries in special bins at supermarkets or recycling centres.

It comes as there were reports of at least five bin lorry fires in Glasgow last year with three occurring in September alone.

Blazes linked to lithium batteries, found in vapes and electric toothbrushes and other goods are occurring throughout the country.

Glasgow Councillor Sharon Greer, Labour, asked a council official if people will be provided with details of battery disposal points and enquired if staff receive training for how to deal with a fire.

Speaking at the environment and liveable neighbourhoods city policy committee, a council official said most supermarkets provide a box for returned batteries.

He said: “There are disposal points at our household waste recycling centres.”

He told the meeting a dedicated web page will point people to other available battery disposal sites.

Commenting on training for staff the officer said: “In terms of staff protection with battery fires there is a work instruction that the staff work to should they encounter any incidents of fire within a vehicle whether it is a battery or another material causing it.

“They are aware of that and would have been reminded of it as we had a few incidents within a short period of time late last year, which has pushed forward the battery campaign.”

A council paper reported to the committee said: “A communication campaign will be undertaken highlighting the correct disposal methods to members of the public, with the aim to protect the health and safety of collection crews, integrity of council plant and equipment and environmental protection.”

It said there are plans for campaign information to be displayed on bus shelters, the subway and the council’s refuse collection fleet as well as on television.

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