The Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service would like to alert you to the significant fire risk posed by lithium batteries and make sure everyone knows how to use, store and recycle batteries safely.
Lithium batteries can be found in cars, e-bikes, e-scooters, laptops, phones, and e-cigarettes, amongst many other items. They pose a particular fire risk when left on charge and unattended in homes, such as when occupants are out – or overnight, when they are sleeping.
Charging lithium batteries in communal areas such as hallways or stairwells poses an additional risk as they may block emergency escape routes and pose a danger to life.
With this in mind, please read the following advice from the Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service:
- Only choose branded, safety certified products from a reputable retailer.
- Always use the charger supplied with your product. Poor quality chargers can damage batteries and increase the risk of fire.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to charge batteries and unplug them when the charge is complete.
- Never leave a charger unattended or plugged in overnight.
- Avoid storing, using or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures.
- Don’t overload your sockets.
- Ensure you regularly check batteries for signs of damage.
- If a battery is not holding charge, gets hot, bulges or you hear hissing noises when charging, unplug immediately.
- Only charge e-bikes/e-scooters in areas which are clear of fire exits and escape routes.
- Never cover chargers or battery packs, as this could lead to overheating and result in a fire.
- Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the areas where you store or charge your e-bike/e-scooter.
- If there are any signs of fire, such as the battery smoking or flames, get out immediately, stay out and call 999.
Following observations of an increase in the number of fires attributed to batteries in the waste sector, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has also highlighted the dangers of putting any kind of battery in general waste bins and encourages everyone to recycle all batteries – and electrical items containing batteries – instead.
How to recycle your batteries and electricals
Batteries can be taken to any of the waste and recycling centres across the islands for recycling. To find your nearest recycling facility please use the Recycle Locator tool on the Recycle Now website.
The Council also offers a kerbside electricals collection service on St Mary's. You can find full details of this service on our Kerbside Electricals Collection webpage.
If you have any further questions, or can’t find the information you’re looking for, please email zerowaste@scilly.gov.uk or call 01720 424450.