Published Date: Sep 23rd, 2026
Residents are being urged to recycle batteries safely as fires linked to discarded electrical items across Scotland and the UK increase. Fife Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have launched a new campaign warning that batteries hidden inside everyday household items are creating a growing fire risk for local people, communities, waste services staff and fire fighters.
Many people are unaware that products such as vapes, mobile phones, power banks, electric toothbrushes, toys and wireless earbuds can contain batteries capable of igniting if mishandled or not recycled safely. With rechargeable batteries now found in many devices throughout homes, emergency services are urging residents to take care when charging, storing and disposing of them.
Battery-related fires are an increasing concern across Scotland, prompting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) to work with local authorities, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to better understand the problem and reduce risk.
How to recycle batteries safely in FifeResidents should never place batteries, vapes or electrical items containing batteries in household or litter bins. Instead, batteries and electrical items can be:
- Returned to retailers offering take-back services. Visit: https://recycleyourelectricals.org.uk
- Taken to household recycling centres across Fife (excluding Cupar Recycling Centre). Visit: www.fife.gov.uk/recycling
- For more information visit www.fife.gov.uk/batteries
Group Commander Rachel Rogers, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Head of Prevention for Clackmannanshire, Fife and Stirling, said: “Battery-related fires are a growing concern, and we are working with our partners to help reduce the risks associated with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and electrical items. Many everyday products contain rechargeable batteries and when they are damaged or incorrectly disposed of in household bins they can pose a serious fire risk in the waste removal process.
"Residents should dispose of these items safely following advice from their local authority, but householders should also buy products from reputable retailers and be careful of how they are charged at home to prevent fires."
Cllr Jan Wincott, Fife Council spokesperson for Environment and Climate Change, added: "Most households now contain multiple battery-powered devices, but many people don't realise the danger of putting batteries or electrical items in the bin. When batteries are crushed in waste collection vehicles or processing equipment, they can overheat and start fires. Local people can prevent incidents and help keep local people, council workers, firefighters and recycling centre staff safe.”
"A simple action like returning batteries to retailer or taking them to a recycling centre rather than throwing them into household bins can help prevent potentially devastating fires."
“As well as improving safety, recycling batteries helps recover valuable materials that can be reused to manufacture new products, and helps to protect our environment.”
