We are very dependent on batteries. These sources of energy are everywhere, in everything from cars and phones, to watches and toys. However, these sources of power can be hazardous. A U.K. environmental agency found that the disposing of batteries incorrectly causes needless fires. This has a huge financial cost for those whose property has burnt down. A fire expert said: "Everyone can do their bit...by disposing of batteries correctly."

The biggest fire-starters are lithium-ion batteries. These explode and start fires if they are crushed or get wet. People are putting these batteries into the trash. The agency said: "That causes a real problem because they…explode.…They're likely to be crushed...or they might get wet.". It added: "They're in the presence of other flammable material…that can lead to quite big fires." We need to be careful about the potential hazards of batteries.