Cllr Tricia Watson and Cllr Martin Pearcy
Stroud District Council is thanking residents for embracing a new service that helps protect the environment and reduce the risk of fires.
Since the launch of the weekly battery and vape collection service in May 2025, the council’s waste collection partner Ubico has collected more than one tonne of batteries and 80kg of vapes - a fantastic response that shows how committed our communities are to recycling and safety.
Batteries and vapes placed in general waste or recycling bins or bags can pose a serious risk. When crushed in the back of collection vehicles, they can explode or catch fire, endangering crews and causing costly damage. By using the new service, residents are helping prevent these incidents and ensuring that these items are recycled responsibly.
Cllr Martin Pearcy, Chair of the Environment Committee, said:
“We’re really grateful to everyone who has taken up this new service. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference – helping keep our crews safe and protecting the environment by ensuring batteries and vapes are recycled properly. Please keep up the great work and encourage others to do the same.”
Cllr Tricia Watson added:
“If you're one of our brilliant local litter pickers - thank you for everything you do. We really appreciate your efforts to keep our communities clean. If you come across batteries or disposable vapes while out litter picking, please don’t put them in litter bins. These items contain hazardous materials and are often damaged, especially those found by the roadside. Instead, use our convenient weekly home collection service to recycle them safely. It’s quick, easy, and helps prevent fires and environmental harm.”
The service supports the Council Plan objective to continue to increase recycling rates across the district.
The service is easy to use: place up to ten small household batteries and up to five disposable vapes or vape pods in separate clear plastic bags, such as empty food wrappers or sandwich bags on top of your food waste caddy on collection day.
Full details are available on the council’s website:
Please note, we’re currently unable to collect batteries or vapes from properties with shared or communal bins. If this applies to you, please use a supermarket or store collection point, or check the Waste Wizard to find your nearest safe disposal location: www.stroud.gov.uk/WasteWizard
Larger quantities of batteries and vapes can be disposed of at Household Recycling Centres, run by Gloucestershire County Council. Trips need to be booked in advance. Visit: HRC map | Gloucestershire Recycles
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Batteries and vapes should be presented in separate, clear recycled bags and placed on top of your food waste caddy on collection day.
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