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Incorrect battery disposal causes needless fires

Batteries - Level 4

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.

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Batteries - Level 5

We are increasingly dependent on batteries. These ubiquitous sources of energy are in everything from cars and phones, to watches and toys. However, these essential sources of power can be hazardous. A report from a U.K. environmental agency discovered that the incorrect disposal of batteries causes many fires. This costs fire services millions of dollars. The financial loss is much higher for those whose property has burnt down. A fire expert said: "These fires can be challenging…to deal with.…Everyone can do their bit…by disposing of batteries correctly."

The biggest culprits for fires starting are lithium-ion batteries. These can explode and start fires if they are crushed or they get wet. The agency told the BBC that, "more people are putting devices containing these batteries in with household waste". It said: "That causes a real problem because they have a tendency – when damaged – to explode or ignite.…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 mindful of the potential hazards of batteries.

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Batteries - Level 6

Our lifestyles are increasingly dependent on batteries. These ubiquitous sources of energy power everything from our cars and smartphones, to watches, remote controls and many other devices. However, these essential sources of power can be hazardous. A report from the Environmental Services Association (ESA) in the U.K. discovered that the incorrect disposal of batteries causes around 700 fires in Britain each year. This costs fire services $195 million. The financial loss is considerably higher for those whose property has burnt down. A leading fire expert said: "These fires can be challenging for fire services to deal with.…Everyone can do their bit…by ensuring they dispose of batteries correctly."

The biggest culprits for fires starting are lithium-ion batteries. These can explode and start fires if they are crushed or they get wet. An ESA spokesperson told the BBC that, "more and more people are putting devices containing these batteries in with household waste". He said: "That causes a real problem because they have a tendency – when damaged – to explode or ignite.…They're likely to be crushed, compacted, smashed or they might get wet.". He added: "That can cause them to short-circuit. And of course, they're then in the presence of other flammable material like plastic, paper and card and that can lead to quite big fires." The ESA encouraged people to be mindful of the potential hazards of batteries.

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