This week, the waste management company CleanR launched an educational campaign "Uzmanību – deg!" (Attention – Fire!), aimed at raising public awareness about the severe fire risks caused by improperly disposed electrical devices. To help educate society and explain the science behind these seemingly harmless everyday items, researchers from the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) have proudly joined the initiative.
The core message of the campaign reminds the public that throwing an old mobile phone, wireless headphones, or electronic toys into regular household waste containers can lead to dangerous consequences. Waste management machinery is designed to compact trash, which can mechanically deform the batteries hidden inside these devices. Even a seemingly fully discharged battery can rapidly overheat and ignite upon sustaining such damage, posing a severe threat to both waste management infrastructure and the safety of workers. To shed light on these issues, our Energy Materials Laboratory’s Head and Leading Researcher Gints Kučinskis joined CleanR's Chairman of the Board Valērijs Stankevičs on the TV3 morning news program "900 sekundes".
To clearly demonstrate these hazards, ISSP UL scientists contributed their expertise in battery technology, safety, and durability. Our researchers helped design and conduct hands-on testing experiments for the campaign's video materials, visually demonstrating how batteries can combust when subjected to high heat or mechanical deformations. Additionally, the institute's experts shared best practices and essential advice on what the public needs to consider when safely disposing of batteries and old electronics.
The materials inside batteries are not only hazardous in the wrong environments but also highly valuable for recycling – therefore, sorting them correctly and handing them over at designated collection points is crucial. At ISSP UL, we recognize how important this topic is and believe campaigns like "Uzmanību – deg!" can foster a safer, more environmentally responsible society.
More on the "Uzmanību – deg!" campaign
