Did you know? About 'Stop the Spark' Campaign
Every day, batteries, vapes and small electrical items are thrown into household bins. Once they are thrown into collection vehicles or arrive at waste and recycling facilities, they could be on fire.
That's why West Sussex Recycles has launched the Stop the Spark campaign with a simple message:
If it has a plug, battery or cable, don't bin it.
Batteries, vapes, electric toothbrushes and toys to wireless headphones and power banks, contain batteries that can overheat and start fires if they get crushed, damaged or pierced.
Multiple fires take place every day - putting people at risk, including:
- members of the public
- collection crews
- recycling centre staff
- waste facility workers
- fire and rescue service
These fires also cause damage to vehicles, equipment, property and can disrupt local services.
Before you throw something away, take a moment to check it.
If it has a plug, cable or battery, do not put it in your household waste bin, recycling bin or the household waste container at a recycling centre.
This brief video shows you where to dispose of these items: Stop The Spark
Most major supermarkets that sell batteries should provide in-store battery recycling bins. Find out how to safely recycle batteries, vapes and electrical items at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/StopTheSpark
By entering your post code, you can find the nearest place to take batteries, electricals and light bulbs for recycling here: Recycling Batteries | Recycle Your Electricals
All our recycling centres in West Sussex accept electricals: Recycling Centres - West Sussex County Council If you're visiting a Recycling Centre, remember to 'Book to Recycle' before setting off.
Before disposing of an electrical item, check whether it could be repaired, reused or donated.
There are more than 20 repair cafés across West Sussex. Volunteers at these cafés help people fix household items so they can keep using them for longer. You can also donate working electrical items to some charities, reuse groups or community centres.
For more information on the Stop the Spark campaign, click here: Stop the Spark - West Sussex County Council
One simple action from every household can make a huge difference. If it has a plug, battery or cable, don't bin it!