‘Zombie Batteries’ from Vapes Fuel Rise in Waste Facility Fires in the UK

Despite a ban on single-use vapes introduced this summer, improperly discarded vapes – dubbed “zombie batteries” – continue to pose a significant fire risk to the UK’s waste management system. New data reveals a surge in discarded vapes entering waste streams, sparking warnings from waste management companies and consumer safety organizations.

Growing Scale of the Problem

Waste management company Biffa reported discovering more than 840,000 vapes at four of its UK facilities – located in Teesside, Walsall, Ipswich, and North London – between June and September 2025. This equates to over 7,000 discarded vapes every day, or nearly 300 per hour [Electrical Safety First]. The number of vapes found has increased since the disposable vape ban, with nearly 20,000 more vapes discovered in August and September compared to June and July [LetsRecycle].

The ‘Zombie Battery’ Hazard

The term “zombie batteries” refers to lithium-ion batteries in discarded devices that can unexpectedly reignite or explode when crushed, punctured, or damaged during the waste management process. Lithium-ion cells, when damaged, can undergo thermal runaway, rapidly heating to extreme temperatures and igniting nearby materials [LetsRecycle]. This poses a serious risk to workers, infrastructure, and the environment.

Fire Incidents on the Rise

Since June 2025, Biffa has recorded over 180 fires across its UK operations linked to batteries, many originating from vapes [LetsRecycle], [Electrical Safety First]. One incident at Biffa’s Aldridge materials recovery facility in Walsall earlier in the year caused significant damage, leaving the site out of operation for six months [Staffs Gov UK].

Industry Response and Warnings

Luke Walter, Manager of Biffa’s Aldridge materials recovery facility, highlighted the dangers, stating that there is a “misconception that they’re harmless” and people incorrectly believe they are doing the right thing by placing them in recycling bins [Staffs Gov UK]. Both Biffa and Electrical Safety First are urging households to avoid disposing of vapes in general waste or recycling bins and are issuing a Halloween warning about the dangers of these batteries [Electrical Safety First].

Beyond Vapes: Other Battery-Powered Risks

Experts likewise caution that battery-powered decorations, light-up costumes, and novelty gadgets can pose similar risks if their batteries are improperly discarded and damaged [Electrical Safety First].