A collaborative project between waste operators and fire chiefs focusing on the improvement of the handling and processing of end of life lithium ion batteries is underway. Lithium ion batteries are the catalyst for a large proportion of recycling site fires, and now many prominent organisations in the sector are looking to tackle this growing issue. Axion Consulting, Veolia, Viridor, S Norton, Wastecare and Mersey Fire are hoping to combat the fire risk posed by these batteries by introducing a commercially viable collection process.
The end of life stage for Lithium ion batteries can be particularly risky, especially if the battery is punctured, so far this year there have been a spate of fires at recycling centres throughout the UK, subsequently resulting in environmental damage and significant financial losses for the companies involved.
The SAFeRWEEE project will involve householders segregating small mixed WEEE into three separate streams before it is disposed of at HWRCs. The three streams are;
In instances where batteries can be removed, householders will be expected to do so, before disposing of the products. In doing this, there are hopes that fire risks can be mitigated and that ultimately batteries can then be handled and recycled correctly.
The project will be rolled out in three HWRC's throughout the summer with the results published in December. If the trials are successful, the project could then be implemented nationwide.
Richard McKinlay, Head of Circular Economy, Axion Group, said:
"The risk of fire from handling lithium ion batteries is a huge challenge for the waste sector. Extracting the batteries at the recycling facility before processing would be incredibly challenging, and so this project aims to remove them altogether from the Small Mixed WEEE (SMW) stream. Not only should this reduce the risk of fire but also could lead to recovery of higher value material through improved householder engagement at waste and recycling centres.”
Pat Gibbons, Station Manager – Community Fire Protection, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service recognises the potential fire risks posed by the presence of lithium ion batteries in small mixed WEEE, and is a major issue facing the waste sector and Fire & Rescue Services today.
“Waste fires can have a devastating impact on businesses, they can see operational activity reduce dramatically, they can cause huge disruption to local residents and have a significant environmental impact.
“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service therefore welcomes the SAFeRWEEE project in its aims to develop practical methods for reducing the likelihood and frequency of these waste fires and looks forward to supporting the project throughout its lifetime.”
The SAFeRWEEE project is being financed via the WEEE Fund with the money generated from the WEEE compliance fee in 2017.