Kerbside waste collections of vapes to be introduced in South Kesteven

Plans for a new battery recycling scheme for South Kesteven has been approved by the council last week.

The scheme would involve collecting batteries and single use vapes separated from regular waste to reduce the risk of fires in bin lorries.

The recommended scheme, backed by the South Kesteven District Council’s cabinet on November 7, is for a kerbside collection, where householders provide their own plastic bags with batteries in for collection and will be able to be put out for collection with all bins or bags.

The council said this would be the most cost-efficient and sustainable method of ensuring the ongoing safety of crews and reflects SKDC’s commitment to its climate change goals.

In a report to the cabinet meeting, Adrian Ash, interim director of operations and public protection, said: “Concerns were raised in respect of the safe recycling of batteries as a result of an incident in March 2023, when a refuse vehicle was forced to empty its smoking and smouldering contents onto the ground in Ingoldsby. The source cannot be confirmed but may have been due to a suspected spark caused by a domestic battery or a single use vape.

“South Kesteven District Council take the safety of our waste/recycling operatives very seriously and want to do everything possible to mitigate any risk to them.

“In addition, recycling can help to extract the raw materials from used batteries and support the move towards a circular economy.”

The new scheme would cost £13,000, with £8,000 spent on converting council vehicles and a further £5,000 for public information about battery and vape recycling.