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Recycling-centre fires hit £1 billion as lithium batteries rise

8/23/2026

30 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Britain’s Environment Services Association (ESA) reports over 10 recycling-centre fires weekly, costing £1 billion.
ESA members logged 1,518 fires to March 2026, including 541 linked to lithium-ion batteries.
Batteries cause about 40% of centre fires, which ESA believes may be closer to 70%.
Fire-related costs rose from £150 million in 2021 to £1 billion today.
ESA urges a £5 mandatory vape deposit after a test showed vape batteries exceed 750 °C.

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Story summary

Britain’s Environment Services Association (ESA) reports over 10 recycling-centre fires weekly, costing £1 billion.
ESA members logged 1,518 fires to March 2026, including 541 linked to lithium-ion batteries.
Batteries cause about 40% of centre fires, which ESA believes may be closer to 70%.
Fire-related costs rose from £150 million in 2021 to £1 billion today.
ESA urges a £5 mandatory vape deposit after a test showed vape batteries exceed 750 °C.