German cities warn of fires from improperly discarded lithium‑ion batteries in waste trucks

In Jena‑Lobeda, a discarded electronic device that ended up in regular waste caused a fire in a municipal press vehicle. Authorities noted that damaged lithium‑ion batteries can release energy instantly, leading to fires or explosions, and urged residents to remove batteries before disposal and use designated recycling points.

In Moers on 7 July, a similar mishap occurred when an e‑device thrown into the trash ignited a waste‑collection vehicle on Rheinberger Strasse. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and investigators found a lithium‑ion battery from an e‑vape had been damaged during compaction. The waste‑management company and local officials again called on the public to dispose of electronic devices and batteries at proper collection facilities to prevent hazardous fires.