Material Focus in new battery fire campaign

The film aims to educate the public about the dangers of improperly disposing of batteries and highlights the importance of recycling them instead.

The initiative comes in response to a growing number of reports concerning fires ignited by batteries and electrical devices containing batteries within the waste stream. By partnering with the NFCC, Material Focus intends to strengthen its efforts in combating this issue and ensuring public safety.

The “Stop Battery Fires Film,” featuring a safety message from Mark Andrews, the NFCC waste fires lead, underscores the hazards associated with discarding batteries. It emphasises the crucial need to recycle batteries and electricals containing batteries instead of throwing them in the regular bin.

The film has been specifically designed for local authorities to share with their communities, enabling residents to gain a better understanding of proper disposal methods. The ultimate objective is to minimise battery fires in waste and recycling facilities, as well as in bin lorries.

Impact

Mark Andrews, NFCC waste fires lead said: “Fire and rescue services see first hand the impact of fires caused by the incorrect disposal of batteries and electrical items. The ‘Stop Battery Fires’ campaign and film will help support local authorities in raising awareness of this issue.

“We need householders to play their part in reducing these fires which can have a devastating impact on local communities and their environment. And they can pose a real risk to staff working in the waste and recycling centres.”

To facilitate the dissemination of the film and to provide additional resources, Material Focus has developed a battery fire communication toolkit. This toolkit includes downloadable copies of the film, social media templates, and other useful assets, empowering local authorities to effectively communicate the message of responsible battery disposal to their constituents.

Survey

In a survey conducted by Material Focus among local authorities last year, it was discovered that there were over 700 battery-related fires in the waste and recycling system across the UK. To gain updated insights into the current situation, Material Focus is once again urging local authorities to participate in the 2023 “Stop Battery Fires Survey.” By actively engaging in the survey, authorities can contribute valuable data that will inform Material Focus’s ongoing efforts to combat battery fires.

Last year, the survey received responses from more than 60 local authorities, which proved instrumental in shaping Material Focus’s “Stop Battery Fires” campaign. The survey results were widely covered by the media, including national and local BBC radio stations, generating over 400 pieces of coverage that raised awareness of the issue and proposed solutions.

Formerly known as the WEEE Fund, Material Focus is a not-for-profit organisation funded by the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) compliance fee