City Day: Politics must quickly address the risks of burning batteries in waste

Christian Schuchardt, Chief Executive Officer of the German City Day, is sounding the alarm. He complained to the Rheinische Post that fires in municipal facilities or disposal vehicles are now occurring almost daily. The problem lies in the sheer mass of tiny batteries that are now permanently installed in toys, greeting cards, or tools. If these, as well as lithium-ion batteries from the growing world of electronic devices, end up in residual waste, they are often damaged in the compactors of garbage trucks or during sorting. A short circuit can then trigger a thermal reaction that is almost impossible to stop.

The images are all too familiar: flames erupt from garbage trucks and dense smoke drifts over recycling centers. Firefighters have to undertake major operations, pulling apart tons of waste to extinguish hidden embers. According to Schuchardt, this is a systemic problem that is putting pressure on the German waste management industry.

The consequences of this development are becoming almost unbearable for municipalities. It is no longer just about property damage to vehicles or trash cans. Rather, the physical integrity of employees is at stake, who are confronted with the danger of sudden explosions. Furthermore, the entire disposal security is becoming unstable. If facilities are destroyed by fires or can no longer find insurance due to the extremely high risk, a collapse of local waste logistics threatens. Schuchardt warns that insurance premiums for disposal companies are skyrocketing.

Legislative reform falls short

Disposable e-cigarettes are also in the focus of criticism. The growing market for these vapes presents a challenge for the environment and waste disposal companies. While neighboring countries like France and Belgium have already banned these products, Germany is lagging, according to City Day. Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) is also advocating for a ban. His State Secretary, Jochen Flasbarth, recently pointed to a bundle of good reasons, from health to fire protection, that speak for such a step. However, the legal implementation is taking its time.

The latest amendment to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act, which came into force on January 1st, is considered insufficient by many experts. It stipulates that consumers can return their old devices more easily and that retailers must provide better information with uniform logos. The "counter model" at recycling centers, where devices can only be handed in under the supervision of trained personnel, is also intended to increase safety. From July, kiosks and gas stations will also have to take back old vapes. However, the effectiveness of this regulation is in doubt. Without a clear financial incentive such as a deposit system, consumer willingness to return will remain low, is one point of criticism.

The call to the federal government is therefore getting louder. According to City Day, the already planned round table in the Ministry of the Environment must now finally deliver tangible results. Not only manufacturer information campaigns are needed, but above all effective solutions for insurance coverage and stricter regulations. Experts confirm: As long as the danger travels with the waste, disposal remains a game of chance.

(nen)