Definitions and scope:
For clarity:
* “Vape” includes disposable and rechargeable e-cigarette devices, whether sold legally or otherwise, that contain lithium-ion batteries.
* “Vape-related fire incidents” include confirmed fires and incidents where a fire or ignition was suspected to have been caused by a vape or its battery during or following disposal.

I am writing to request information regarding incidents of fire at waste disposal facilities managed by your council, where the reported or suspected ignition source was the improper disposal of vaping devices (e.g., vapes/e-cigarettes containing lithium-ion batteries). Please provide the following information in relation to your Household Waste Recycling Centre(s) (HWRCs) and any other waste disposal or recycling facilities managed by the council:

1. Total number of confirmed or suspected vape-related fire incidents at all council-managed facilities, from 1 January 2021 to the most recent date available.
2. For each year (calendar or financial year), a breakdown by facility of the number of vape-related fires reported.

FCC Environment (the waste management and recycling company that operates Smallmead in Reading) advise that since 1st Jan 2021, there have only been 2 fires due to vapes (both suspected).

2022: Smallmead Transfer Station (TS)
2025: Smallmead Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)