Introduction

As we enter 2024, the fire-suppression landscape is witnessing a troubling escalation in incidents connected to lithium-ion battery waste. According to Fire Rover, a company specializing in advanced fire detection and suppression systems, we’ve seen a staggering 60% jump in waste and recycling facility fires, soaring from 1,809 incidents in 2023 to an alarming 2,910.

Rising Incidents

This data marks a significant surge over the past two years, with reported incidents of fires in these facilities reaching unprecedented levels. In fact, public reports indicate that fires at waste and recycling sites have hit 398, a record high since Fire Rover began compiling these statistics eight years ago.

The Growing Threat of Lithium-Ion Batteries

While various combustible materials have historically contributed to waste fires — including fireworks, pool chemicals, and even used barbecue briquettes — lithium-ion batteries are emerging as a major threat as their presence in consumer devices continues to rise. Unfortunately, public awareness regarding proper disposal methods remains woefully inadequate, allowing these hazardous batteries to proliferate unrecognized within our waste streams.

Fire Hazards Associated with Batteries

Batteries pose numerous fire hazard risks due to potential incidents such as puncturing, vibration, overheating, crushing, and even manufacturing defects. Fire Rover's findings indicate that approximately half of the fires they track may originate from battery-related issues, resulting in an estimated $2.5 billion in damages last year across various facilities.

Notable Incidents

One striking example of the dangers associated with these batteries occurred in suburban Chicago, where a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery in a truck led to explosions that injured firefighters and damaged nearby homes. Another significant incident took place in February 2025 at a scrapyard in Camden, New Jersey, where a concealed battery ignited a massive blaze, requiring over 15 fire companies to respond and displacing local residents.

The Link to Vaping Devices

What’s particularly alarming is the marked increase in battery fire incidents linked to electronic vaping devices. Fire Rover's report highlights a noticeable trend shift in fire data from 2016-2021 to 2022-2024, with vapes and e-cigarettes emerging as likely culprits. Approximately 1.2 billion vapes enter the waste stream annually, and the vape industry has taken minimal action to enhance proper disposal technologies or educate consumers.

Improper Disposal of Vapes

The reality is that many vapes and e-cigarettes are disposed of improperly, often ending up in regular garbage and recycling bins, exacerbating fire risks. In the UK, it's even possible to repurpose leftover vapes into makeshift e-bikes, illustrating the growing e-waste problem. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urges consumers to bring e-cigarettes to designated household hazardous waste (HHW) sites or collection events, which are typically free.

Call to Action

The pressing question remains: how can we effectively manage this growing threat? With vapes and lithium-ion batteries being major contributors to fires in waste facilities, a robust and accessible disposal network is urgently needed. Without proactive measures and increased awareness, we may face even greater disasters in the future. It's time we take responsibility—before things go up in flames!