Public art project aims to reduce battery fires

Artists are being invited to pitch ideas for a public installation aimed at reducing battery fires in east London.

The East London Waste Authority (ELWA) wants the artwork to encourage Londoners to recycle small electricals and batteries at dedicated recycling points, rather than putting them in household bins.

Lithium-ion batteries inside small electrical devices, such as vapes, wireless earphones, e-scooters and children's toys can ignite when crushed in waste collection vehicles and facilities.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has said it "suspects" these lithium-ion batteries are responsible for a "growing number" of fires inside bin lorries and at waste disposal sites.

The ELWA said it wanted to commission a designer to create an "eye-catching installation", which will tour the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham and Redbridge in 2026 to highlight the issue.

Miraj Patel, chair of ELWA, said: "Battery fires in bin lorries and waste sites remain a challenge across all local authorities.

"There were 229 fires in ELWA's waste facilities last year, a 57% increase over the previous year.

"These fires cost the waste industry millions of pounds each year, but also pose a significant risk to frontline staff collecting and treating waste."

Artists must submit their proposal online by 09:00 GMT on 9 February.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]