Lincoln recycling centre forced to close after fire from dumped vape

Staff have released footage as a warning

Author: Grace O'HarePublished 14th Aug 2025

Lincoln’s Household Waste Recycling Centre was shut this week (12 August) after a vape was thrown into general waste and sparked a fire.

The council is now reminding people, all vapes contain batteries which can ignite if they are crushed.

Council officials say that’s exactly what happened, causing a huge blaze.

Staff have released footage as a warning, urging people to use the designated vape and battery bins at recycling centres.

Batteries can also be recycled at many supermarkets and other shops that sell them.

The council says these fires are entirely avoidable but when they happen, they put staff, visitors and emergency crews in danger, and force the site to close while it is made safe.

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