Lambeth Council has issued a warning to residents following a rise in serious fires caused by the incorrect disposal of batteries and electronic items. Lithium batteries thrown into household recycling bins have been linked to fires in refuse vehicles and waste facilities, putting frontline staff and the public at risk.

Residents living in kerbside properties are urged to place batteries and small electronic items-such as phones, laptops, vapes, and electric toothbrushes-into a plastic bag and place it on top of their recycling bin, not inside it. Household batteries can also be recycled at many local shops and supermarkets.

For those with larger electrical items or living on estates, batteries should be taken directly to designated recycling facilities, including Vale Street Reuse and Recycling Centre in West Norwood and Smugglers Way Household Waste and Recycling Centre in Wandsworth.

The council is encouraging everyone to “dispose of batteries safely” and reminds residents that local drop-off points for old electricals can be found online via the Recycle Your Electricals website.