Universal kerbside collections for waste batteries and electricals across the UK could save £6bn by boosting recycling and tackling the ‘epidemic’ of battery fires, according to a new study.
Newly published research from sustainability consultants Eunomia reveals a significant lack of kerbside recycling points, with just a quarter (100 of 391) of local authorities providing appropriate collection options for electronic waste.
Furthermore, council collection points are only accessible to an estimated 23% of UK households, resulting in each household contributing almost 6kg worth of electronic waste per annum, creating a serious fire risk when electronic equipment is disposed of amongst general recycling.
Chairman of the Environmental Services Association, and Chief Executive Officer of Biffa, Michael Topham, said: ‘The UK is facing a growing epidemic of battery-related waste fires which threatens lives, vital infrastructure and the environment.’
Over 1,200 waste fires occurred in 2023, a figure which has risen 70% since 2022, and battery-related incidents cost the UK more than £1bn in damages each year.
The Eunomia report proposes the introduction of universal kerbside collection points in each local authority to ensure electrical waste is discarded properly across all regions.
Furthermore, Eunomia advocates for the remodelling of waste collection vehicles to facilitate the safe storage of batteries during the recycling process, measures which would drastically reduce the number of battery-related waste fires.
The Chairman of the Environmental Services Association added: ‘Eunomia’s report provides clear evidence of the huge benefits of implementing a nation-wide kerbside WEEE and battery recycling scheme – not just for preventing fires and protecting infrastructure but also realising a £6bn economic benefit while supporting a more circular economy for batteries and waste electricals.’
‘We urge government to commit to rolling out mandatory universal kerbside recycling services for waste electricals and batteries, and to ensure all parties pay their fair share towards delivering them.’
