South Kesteven District Council backs new battery recycling scheme
A new battery recycling scheme will be introduced to prevent bin lorry fires.
The decision was discussed during a South Kesteven District Council Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on (Tuesday) and was hailed as a significant step forward in local waste management and recycling efforts.
The scheme will involve collecting small bags of batteries alongside regular waste to reduce the risk of fires in bin lorries.
Councillor Ben Green (Con), whose statement was read by Ian Selby due to work commitments, passionately advocated for option D of the recommendations, involving kerbside collections, retrofitting the fleet with containers, and residents supplying their own bags.
The new scheme will cost £13,000, with £8,000 spent on retrofitting the council’s vehicles and a further £5,000 set aside for communications about battery recycling.
“This is very much less than the cost of a new refuse vehicle potentially damaged by fire,” said Coun Green in his statement.
“Let’s come together and make a low-cost progressive stride forward. Doing nothing is not an option.”
The scheme was inspired by the success of a similar initiative in Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire, which collects one tonne of batteries annually.
Key concerns from the chamber mainly revolved around communications to residents.
The £5,000 communication strategy will utilise various channels, including potential collaborations with radio stations and community groups, to ensure widespread awareness and successful implementation of the recycling programme.
Officers confirmed that disposable vapes could be recycled under this scheme, with the batteries inside separated after collection.
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the new scheme.