Coesfeld district warns of fire risks from improper battery disposal

The Wirtschaftsbetriebe Kreis Coesfeld (WBC) has launched a campaign to warn residents about the fire hazards caused by improperly disposed batteries and rechargeable batteries. To raise awareness, the organization is placing stickers on residual waste bins to remind citizens not to discard these items in household trash.

When batteries from items such as smartphones, remote controls, or even novelty items like singing greeting cards are placed in residual waste, they can be damaged during the compaction process in garbage trucks or at recycling facilities. This damage can lead to fires. The German Association for Disposal, Water and Circular Economy (BDE) reported 120 fires caused by incorrectly disposed batteries and lithium-ion accumulators last year alone, posing significant risks to personnel and infrastructure.