Residents can have used batteries and disposable vapes collected as part of a new service in Peterborough.
From Tuesday 5 March these items can be left out for collection by placing them on top of bin lids or food caddies in clear plastic bags.
The new service is being started by Peterborough City Council and Aragon Direct Services following a successful trial to help improve safety and sustainability around the disposal of batteries and vapes. Ten refuse vehicle fires occurred last year due to batteries and vapes being incorrectly discarded in standard waste collections.
Councillor Gavin Elsey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Change, said: “We are always looking at ways to enhance our collection services and we also have a public duty to help improve safety and sustainability around the disposal of batteries and disposable vapes.
“I would urge residents to make use of this scheme and give us their general feedback, so we can continue to work to offer collections which meet residents’ needs.”
To dispose of these items, separate them into two clear plastic bags (one for vapes and one for batteries). Place these bags on top of (not inside) your bin (green or black) or food caddy.
The collection team will then place them in a special compartment in their vehicle and take them away to be recycled.
This service can be used to dispose of:
- All everyday household batteries
- Button batteries e.g. from watches
- Batteries from e-cigarettes
- Disposable vapes
However, items such as car batteries and laptop battery packs should not be disposed of using this new collection method; they should instead be taken to the Household Recycling Centre. Other items that should be taken to the Household Recycling Centre are:
- Mobile phones
- Lighters
- Power tools
- Remote control units
For more information visit www.peterborough.gov.uk