Never put batteries, vapes or electrical items containing batteries in your household or litter bins.

Batteries can catch fire if they are crushed or damaged in waste lorries or at recycling centres.

Recycle batteries safely by returning them to a retailer or taking them to a recycling centre.

Find out more about the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries on the Scottish Fire and Rescue website.

Batteries, vapes and electrical items

Many items contain rechargeable batteries, including:

• vapes (even disposible ones)
• mobile phones
• laptops
• tablets
• power tools
• toys

Do not put these items in your household bin.

You can take them to:

• a retailer that offers a take-back service
• your local recycling centre (except Cupar)

E-bikes and e-scooters

If your e-bike or e-scooter is still working, consider repairing, reusing or donating it first.

Visit Climate Action Fife for information on local cycling schemes.

If the item cannot be repaired:

• return it to a retailer
• take it to a recycling centre

If you take an e-bike or e-scooter to a recycling centre, remove the battery first and place it in the battery recycling container. The bike or scooter should then be placed in the bike reuse container.

Help prevent fires at recycling centres

Before visiting a recycling centre:

• separate batteries from other items 
• place batteries in the correct battery container
• keep vapes and electrical items separate from general waste

Taking a few moments to sort items before disposal helps prevent fires and ensures materials can be recycled properly.