Hundreds of thousands of vapes containing so-called ‘zombie batteries’ – capable of sparking fires if binned incorrectly – are still entering the UK waste system following the disposable vape ban, new data show.
Figures shared with consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First by the waste management company Biffa reveal that more than 840,000 vapes were discovered at four of its major waste sites between June and September 2025 – averaging over 7,000 every day. The devices were found at Biffa’s facilities in Teesside, Walsall, Ipswich and North London.
The findings have prompted a Halloween-themed warning from both organisations about the dangers of ‘zombie batteries’ – lithium-ion cells inside vapes that can “come back from the dead” if punctured or damaged, potentially igniting bin lorry and waste site fires.
According to Biffa, more than 180 fires across its UK operations have been linked to batteries since June alone, with one recent incident captured on video showing a collection lorry forced to dump its smoking load on the road after a battery ignited.
Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries that can enter “thermal runaway” when crushed or punctured, reaching extreme temperatures and triggering ferocious fires. The issue has worsened since the disposable vape ban came into effect this summer, with Biffa reporting almost 20,000 more vapes arriving at its four sites in August and September compared with June and July.
Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, said the risks were “very real and frightening” for frontline waste workers.
“Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, and if these are thrown away incorrectly, they risk coming back to life in gruesome fashion by exploding and causing ferocious fires that put workers at risk,” he said. “Every individual household can help turn the tide on this issue one action at a time. We urge all households to stop, think, and don’t bin the battery.”
Multi-million-pound fire damage
Biffa’s Aldridge materials recovery facility in Walsall suffered a devastating fire in January after an incorrectly discarded vape exploded, forcing the site to shut for six months and causing multi-million-pound repair and rebuild costs.
Luke Walter, who manages the facility, said: “The most important thing is that everyone went home safe and well but, understandably, the immediate concern was job security.
“The site is now fully operational again, and while we remain hyper-vigilant about fire risks, the danger will persist as long as batteries – lithium-ion or alkaline - hidden in small electrical devices such as vapes continue to be placed in general waste and recycling bins.”
Electrical Safety First and Biffa are urging households to follow the “Don’t bin the battery” campaign this Halloween by using proper recycling routes for vapes and other small electricals:
- Recycle in-store: All UK retailers selling vapes must take back used ones for recycling.
- Use local recycling centres: Many have dedicated facilities for electricals and batteries.
- Recycle batteries separately if removable.
- Find your nearest recycling point via www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk.