Increase in vape-related fires at West Midlands waste facilities endangering workers' safety
There has been a massive increase in fires started by discarded vapes in waste facilities in the West Midlands which is endangering workers' lives.
Data obtained from West Midlands Fire Service by The Fire Co under the Freedom of Information Act showed the worrying trend in vape-related fires at household waste and recycling facilities.
There has been a year on year increase in the number of call outs to blazes started by an e-cigarette battery or careless disposal at recycling-related sites.
The Fire Co specialise in smoke alarm systems and detection equipment.
Director and Fire Safety Consultant at The Fire Co Rob Watchorn said: “People use these products every day, but many don’t know what is inside them. Many of the lithium-ion batteries found inside disposable and rechargeable vapes have the potential to start fires when they are crushed, damaged, or thrown away incorrectly. In some cases, they can overheat and ignite within seconds, and unfortunately, many people don’t realise the risk.
“In the past few years, we’ve seen councils and fire services across the country reporting similar incidents, with fire services warning about the increasing pressure on crews and recycling operators.
“What we are seeing here in the West Midlands reflects that same pattern, and we don’t want this problem to continue. Every fire at a recycling centre or waste facility puts crews, site workers and local communities at risk. These are hardworking teams, and they should not be facing avoidable dangers because of how products are being thrown away."
Last year a discarded vape started a blaze at Aldridge Materials Recovery Facility which led to Biffa management warning people to be more careful when disposing of their empty fruity flavoured fix.
Michael Topham, CEO of Biffa, said: “The UK is facing a growing epidemic of battery-related waste fires, which threaten lives, vital infrastructure, and the environment.
“Whether discarded on their own or hidden inside electronic devices, batteries wreak havoc when thrown in the wrong bin."
In 2024, crews attended just two confirmed or suspected vape-related fires. That number jumped to eight in 2025. Now, only weeks into 2026, there has already been a further incident.
In total, 11 vape-related fires have been recorded between January 1, 2021 and February 11, 2026. The sharp increase between 2024 and 2025 shows the problem is growing quickly and becoming more serious year on year.
The figures relate specifically to incidents where the source of ignition was linked to an e-cigarette battery or careless disposal at recycling-related sites.
Mr Watchorn added: “Vapes should never go in household bins. They should be taken to a dedicated battery recycling point, returned through a retailer take-back scheme, or disposed of at a Household Waste Recycling Centre that accepts batteries. If the battery can be removed safely, that reduces the risk even further.
“This is a preventable issue. With better awareness and proper disposal, we can protect local services, protect workers and stop these fires from happening in the first place.”
Disposable vapes were banned by the Government in 2025 - but across the region they are still being sold by irresponsible shopkeepers and market traders.
