Plans for a new battery recycling scheme could take a step forward if Cabinet backs a new scheme for South Kesteven tomorrow (Nov 7th).
It would involve collecting batteries and single use vapes separated from regular waste to reduce the risk of fires in bin lorries.
The recommended scheme, already supported by the Environment Committee, is for a kerbside collection, where householders provide their own plastic bags with batteries in for collection and will be able to be put out for collection with all bins or bags. This was the most cost-efficient and sustainable method of ensuring the ongoing safety of crews and reflects SKDC’s commitment to its Climate Change goals.
A report to next Tuesday's Cabinet meeting by Interim Director of Operations and Public Protection, Adrian Ash, said: "Concerns were raised in respect of the safe recycling of batteries as a result of an incident in March 2023, when a refuse vehicle was forced to empty its smoking and smouldering contents onto the ground in Ingoldsby. The source cannot be confirmed but may have been due to a suspected spark caused by a domestic battery or a single use vape.
"South Kesteven District Council take the safety of our waste/recycling operatives very seriously and want to do everything possible to mitigate any risk to them.
"In addition, recycling can help to extract the raw materials from used batteries and support the move towards a circular economy."
The new scheme would cost £13,000, with £8,000 spent on converting council vehicles and a further £5,000 for public information about battery and vape recycling.
Implications to be discussed include adapting vehicles and depot layout to meet additional safety requirements.
Currently, to keep bin crews and refuse centre workers safe, people should dispose of batteries in dedicated battery bins at retailers or their local household waste recycling centre.
This also applies to household items containing batteries such as smaller electrical items containing batteries such as toothbrushes, shavers, chargers and toys. If batteries cannot be removed, then electricals should always be recycled separately.
All electrical items and batteries can be disposed of at the Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Batteries can also be recycled in dedicated battery bins in many local retailers.
Details of Lincolnshire County Council's Household Waste Recycling Centres can be found online at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/recycling-waste/find-recycling-centre
Smaller electricals items containing batteries are the frequently used and often cheaper items like toothbrushes, shavers, chargers and toys. If batteries cannot be removed, then electricals should always be recycled separately.
All electrical items and batteries can be disposed of at the Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Batteries can also be recycled in dedicated battery bins in many local retailers.
There is a handy link to find your nearest supermarket/hardware store disposal point: https://bit.ly/batterySKDC
Check you're putting the right thing in the right bin at home by visiting www.southkesteven.gov.uk/whichbin