FOI002750 FOI Waste Strategy

Short Description
Vape-Related Fire Incidents at Disposal Sites
Reference number
FOI002750
Date
23/02/2026
Request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am writing to request information regarding incidents of fire at waste disposal facilities managed by your council, where the reported or suspected ignition source was the improper disposal of vaping devices (e.g., vapes/e-cigarettes containing lithium-ion batteries).

Please provide the following information in relation to your Household Waste Recycling Centre(s) (HWRCs) and any other waste disposal or recycling facilities managed by the council:

1. Total number of confirmed or suspected vape-related fire incidents at all council-managed facilities, from 1 January 2021 to the most recent date available.
2. For each year (calendar or financial year), a breakdown by facility of the number of vape-related fires reported.

Definitions and scope:
For clarity:
* “Vape” includes disposable and rechargeable e-cigarette devices, whether sold legally or otherwise, that contain lithium-ion batteries.
* “Vape-related fire incidents” include confirmed fires and incidents where a fire or ignition was suspected to have been caused by a vape or its battery during or following disposal.