Picture the scene: you’re at home, about to throw out an old remote control, a broken toy, or a defunct gadget such as an old mobile phone or laptop. But before you do that, think about the batteries inside those devices. These seemingly harmless power sources can become dangerous if not disposed of properly. In the UK, zombie batteries are a growing concern, lurking in our homes and waste bins, ready to cause havoc.
What Are Zombie Batteries?
Zombie batteries are used batteries that, despite appearing dead, still hold a charge. These can include common household batteries from items like phones, laptops, toys, and even e-cigarettes. When discarded improperly, they can become a serious fire hazard.
In recent years, the UK has seen an increase in incidents caused by zombie batteries. Fire services across the country report numerous fires sparked by discarded batteries. These incidents often happen at recycling facilities, waste management plants, and even in bin lorries.
Every year, across the United Kingdom, hundreds of devastating fires are reported by recycling and waste management facilities like Levenseat and even from councils, as numerous fires have ignited in the back of bin trucks. This compromises vital public services, causes millions of pounds worth of damage, and puts people at risk of serious injury, or worse.
Worrying Statistics
- According to the Environmental Services Association (ESA), zombie batteries cause around 200 fires a year in waste facilities.
- Fires linked to these batteries can cause millions of pounds of damage and put lives at risk.
- Every year people across the UK throw away the equivalent of 22,000 tonnes of batteries, and only a third of these are recycled properly. The rest end up in the rubbish bin or mixed with other recycling, where they can become zombies! (takecharge.org.uk)
- In just one year, between 2019 and 2020, nearly 260 significant battery fires were recorded in recycling and waste facilities across the UK, causing more than £100 million worth of damage! (ESA and Eunomia 2021)
Why are Zombie Batteries Dangerous?
When a zombie battery is thrown into the regular rubbish, it can get crushed, compacted, or punctured. This can cause the battery to short-circuit and ignite. The resulting fires are not only dangerous, but they’re also difficult to control, often requiring extensive resources to extinguish.
Beyond the immediate fire hazards, zombie batteries pose a significant environmental threat. Improper disposal can lead to the leakage of harmful chemicals, contaminating soil and water sources. This can have long-lasting effects on wildlife and ecosystems.
Recycling Initiatives
The ESA has launched a campaign called Take Charge+, which was first established in 2020 with the purpose of encouraging the public to recycle batteries responsibly through raised awareness of the consequences of carelessly discarded batteries combined with simple instructional messaging about how and where to recycle them.
How Can You Help?
The fight against zombie batteries starts in your home. Here are some simple steps you can take to make a difference:
- Identify: Be aware of the items in your home that use batteries. When they stop working, don’t just toss them in the bin.
- Collect: Designate a container for used batteries in your home. Keep it in a safe place, hidden away from children and pets.
- Dispose: Take your collected batteries to a recycling point. Many supermarkets and electronics stores have dedicated bins for battery recycling.
Recycle Now offers a great tool on their website where you can simply enter what you’re looking to dispose of, and by entering your postcode, they will show you a map of the nearest recycling point where you can dispose of your AA or AAA batteries or defunct devices. https://www.recyclenow.com/recycle-an-item/batteries
A Brighter, Safer Future
By taking these small steps, we can all contribute to a safer, greener future. The problem of zombie batteries is significant, but with collective effort, it’s a problem we can manage. Spread the word to friends and family about the importance of proper battery disposal. Together, we can keep our homes, our communities, and our environment safe from the hidden dangers of zombie batteries.
By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to dispose of batteries correctly, we can prevent fires, protect the environment, and ensure a safer future for everyone. So, the next time you go to throw out that old gadget, remember the zombie batteries inside and give them the safe send-off they deserve.
For more information on zombie batteries, please visit: takecharge.org.uk