Residents of Hammersmith & Fulham are being urged to dispose of hazardous waste responsibly as Veolia, the UK’s leading resource management company, reports an alarming rise in preventable fires. The company has documented an average of one fire per day caused by improper disposal of dangerous items, such as vapes, batteries, and electrical devices.
Veolia’s campaign, launched in collaboration with Hammersmith & Fulham Council, aims to raise public awareness about the significant dangers posed by these items when placed in household bins. Fires have been reported in refuse collection vehicles and waste management facilities, endangering the safety of both collection crews and the general public.
The initiative highlights the need for residents to understand how their waste can impact those who handle it, as well as the vital recycling infrastructure that serves the community. The campaign features real footage of fires and explosions caused by improper disposal, underscoring the risks associated with specific items.
Among the items flagged in the campaign are used vapes, which should never be placed in household rubbish or recycling bins. Instead, residents are encouraged to return them to retailers or dispose of them at designated collection points, such as libraries.
Electrical items—defined as anything with a battery, plug, or hidden batteries, including children’s toys and electric toothbrushes—can be recycled, but they must be taken to dedicated facilities. Local recycling points can be found using resources like recyclenow.com/recycling-locator, or by visiting Household Reuse and Recycling Centres.
Batteries also pose a significant hazard if disposed of incorrectly. Residents are reminded to recycle batteries at local Household Reuse and Recycling Centres or through designated points available at libraries.
Gas bottles and nitrous oxide (Nox) canisters require careful handling, with specific instructions for safe disposal. Residents are advised to recycle these at the Smugglers Way Household Waste and Recycling Centre.
When crushed, vapes, electrical items, batteries, and gas canisters become highly flammable, increasing the risk of fires, burns, and smoke inhalation for collection crews and recycling facility staff. These injuries can be life-altering and contribute to significant damage to critical recycling infrastructure.
Cory Reynolds, Director of Corporate Affairs at Veolia, emphasised the importance of safety in waste management. “At Veolia, we pride ourselves on delivering essential services while prioritising safety in the workplace. We cannot accept that our people or the communities we serve are put at risk. This campaign is crucial to educating residents about how to ensure their waste is safe. Simple changes can greatly reduce the chance of fires in collection vehicles and sorting facilities, keeping both workers and the public safe.”
Councillor Sharon Holder, Cabinet Member for Public Realm at Hammersmith & Fulham Council, echoed these sentiments. “By providing convenient recycling points, we’re making it easier than ever for residents to dispose of vapes responsibly. It’s a small action that can prevent potentially devastating consequences.”
Residents are encouraged to visit veolia.co.uk/dangerous-waste to view the campaign footage and learn more about safely disposing of hazardous items to protect their community.