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DRAMATIC FOOTAGE OF THE INCIDENT HAS BEEN RELEASED BY BIFFA 17:05, 29 May 2025 This is the shocking moment a discarded vape was believed to have sparked a huge blaze at a Biffa waste

facility after it exploded. Dramatic footage of the incident at Biffa's Westgate factory in Aldridge has been released by the waste firm to highlight the danger of battery fires. The

video shows the factory go up in flames in January this year following an explosion. READ MORE: MAJOR BIRMINGHAM BIN STRIKE UPDATE AS COURT RULES ON PICKETS BLOCKING LORRIES Biffa said it

suspected the fire was started by a lithium battery inside a vape which had been incorrectly put inside a regular recycling bin. The waste firm said lithium batteries are a "fire

hazard" and that vapes must be "disposed of correctly" at a household waste recycling centre or at special vape bins. Article continues below Michael Topham, Biffa CEO and

Environment Services Association (ESA) chair, said: “The UK is facing a growing epidemic of battery-related waste fires which threatens lives, vital infrastructure and the environment.

“Whether discarded on their own or hidden inside electronic devices, batteries wreak havoc when they are thrown in the wrong bin. "This sadly happens all too often because of a lack of

convenient recycling options for householders." Mr Topham called for more kerbside collections of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and battery recycling schemes. He

added: "Not just for preventing fires and protecting infrastructure, but also realising a £6billion economic benefit while supporting a more circular economy for batteries and waste

electricals. “We urge government to commit to rolling out mandatory universal kerbside recycling services for waste electricals and batteries - and to ensure all parties pay their fair share

towards delivering them.” Daniel Barrett of Biffa Reactive Services said: “To increase recycling and reduce fires and littering, it is vital that single-use vapes are disposed of properly.

"Beyond June 1 ban, shops will still have obligations under WEEE regulations to provide a collection and recycling service like Biffa’s Vape Takeback Scheme, not just for single-use

vapes, but for refillable, reusable and rechargeable ones too.” Emily Fernandez, head of prevention at West Midlands Fire Service, said: “We are urging the public to help keep our

communities safe, which is why we’re asking people to bin their batteries with care. Article continues below "If you don’t, they could catch fire in your bin, at recycling plants or in

landfill sites, presenting our firefighters with significant incidents and risks."