Vapes and e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular recently. While it may not appear so at first glance, they can be a fire risk, especially in your home.
Vapes and e-cigarettes contain lithium-ion batteries which can catch fire. These fires can quickly spread to the rest of your home.
Our top tips for safe use:
- Buy e-cigarette devices from reputable retailers. Don’t buy counterfeit goods. Fire risks around vaping often come from counterfeit or faulty products.
- Only use the chargers that came with the device.
- Never leave e-cigarettes charging unattended or on overnight.
- Don’t leave items continuously on charge (after the charge cycle is complete).
- Do not cover batteries that are on charge, in case of overheating.
- Avoid storing, using, or charging batteries in extremes of high or low temperatures.
- Protect batteries against being damaged, crushed or punctured and don’t immerse them in water.
- Never let your battery come into contact with metal items such as coins or keys in a pocket or bag, as this can cause a short circuit and explosion.
Before you dispose of your vape, please make sure it’s finished. You can then dispose of it in one of the following locations:
- If you can remove the battery easily, take it out and dispose of the battery at your Barnet Council’s reuse and recycling centre or your local supermarket.
- If you can’t remove the battery easily, you can take the vape to the small electrical items area at Barnet Council’s reuse and recycling centre, or your local vape shop might have a collection bin.