Tag: disposal

Surge In Dumped Battery and Electronic Devices Sparks Urgent Fire Warning

One of Ireland’s largest waste management operators has launched a public awareness campaign following a rise in fires caused by batteries, vapes and electronics being thrown into household wheelie bins, skips and public street bins.

Items such as vapes, power banks, cordless power tools, e-bikes, and e-scooters are increasingly appearing in municipal waste streams and are now the leading cause of fires in the waste management industry.

Clean Ireland Recycling, which is leading this campaign, has experienced several fires in its collection trucks and damage at one of its depots.

The Christmas STAR (Stop Think And Recycle) campaign comes ahead of the festive and New Year period, when households typically dispose of old electronics and batteries while also bringing new ones into the home.

Managing Director of Clean Ireland Recycling, Brian Lyons said the sharp increase in batteries, vapes and electronics is creating serious safety risks.

He said the improper disposal of these items “puts lives, property, the environment and businesses at risk”.

Mr Lyons urged the public not to dispose of batteries, vapes or electronic devices in household or public bins, but to bring them to designated WEEE/battery collection points.

He said many people do not realise how easily fires can start.

“A fire can begin when a battery is compacted or pierced in a bin lorry. If the casing cracks it can short-circuit, producing intense heat and sudden flames. Inside one of our trucks it can spread in seconds,” Mr. Lyons explained.

He continued, “It only takes one vape or power bank to trigger a serious incident. We have had fires start while trucks were on the road, forcing crews to stop, isolate the fire and in conjunction with fire services, unload burning material to save the vehicle. There are far too many reports from around the country of waste transfer stations and recycling facilities experiencing fires caused by batteries and other electronics.”

Mr Lyons said preventing fires “starts with proper disposal” and that using the correct facilities helps protect homes, vehicles and recycling infrastructure.

The public can contact their local recycling centre or visit MyWaste.ie for advice on safely disposing of batteries and electronic waste.

Initial Hygiene Unveils the Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin

Initial Hygiene, Ireland’s leading expert in commercial washroom hygiene solutions, has launched a new offering in washroom waste disposal: its Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin.
Developed over two and a half years, this bin marks a turning point for the disposal of hygiene waste within the toilet cubicle. Whereas most washroom waste units on the market are not necessarily inclusive of all waste needs, either due to their capacity, cubicle orientation or opening type, this new bin can safely and discreetly handle all forms of period and incontinence waste in the cubicle. It is therefore the perfect solution for all washroom types (female, male, accessible and unisex).
Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager with Initial Hygiene Ireland, comments: “We believe that every person deserves dignity when using public or workplace washrooms. No one should enter a washroom without the confidence that they will be able to dispose of their personal hygiene waste in a discreet and dignified way within the toilet cubicle.
“For too long, the design of washroom waste units has overlooked the needs of many users, including men managing incontinence waste disposal to those people who need to use accessible facilities. The Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin changes that. It has been specially designed for dignity in every cubicle by discreetly managing the disposal of both menstrual and incontinence waste.” 
Alongside its new sanitary waste bin Initial Hygiene has also unveiled five new door signs to help raise awareness and educate on the broad range of disabilities and conditions that accessible* washrooms should accommodate.
Accessible washrooms are often assumed to be only for those with visible mobility challenges, which might be due to the historic use of the wheelchair symbol on signage. Initial Hygiene believes that accessible washrooms need better signage to raise awareness of the wide range of disabilities or long-term health conditions that may mean a person needs to use an accessible washroom.
For example, many people with invisible conditions such as, chronic pain, autism, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, or those living with stoma bags will often need to use an accessible washroom. By adopting more inclusive signage, public spaces can send a clear message: accessible washrooms are for everyone, regardless of whether their disability or long-term health condition is visible or not.
Colm Moore, continues, “All too often, individuals with hidden disabilities may feel scrutinised when trying to use an accessible washroom. Door signage is a practical way to show what conditions an accessible washroom caters for as well as being a way of helping to educate other washroom users on the various reasons someone might need to use an accessible washroom. Currently, many signs only feature the traditional wheelchair symbol, which does not reflect the needs of those with less visible conditions.
“Everyone deserves a dignified washroom experience, and by introducing more inclusive signage, we can help ensure that accessible washrooms are recognised for what they truly are: spaces for everyone.”
This initiative comes at a crucial time, as research from the Irish Wheelchair Association shows that 66% of people with disabilities have trouble accessing public buildings, including toilets, and 68% believe facilities are inadequate. By supporting greater understanding and visibility of diverse needs, Initial Hygiene’s new signage aims to help building owners, businesses and local authorities create accessible washrooms that are more welcoming, better respected and used appropriately by those who need them.
For more information about the Signature Inclusive Sanitary Bin and Initial Hygiene’s full range of washroom hygiene solutions, visit www.initial.ie.
*By accessible washroom (also known as a disabled or accessible toilet), we mean a washroom space designed to accommodate people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or have mobility impairments, with features like extra space for manoeuvrability, grab bars, and accessible fixtures. It will also contain a wash hand basin and hand drying solution, all within the same space.