21/01/2026
Webinar recap: Mitigating Fire Risks (in the Recycling Industry).
🖥️ Yesterday, in partnership with The Recycling Association, we delivered a webinar on mitigating fire risks.
♻️ We are proud of our membership in this association and our long-standing commitment to the global recycling industry, which faces increasing challenges due to fire risks.
💥 Waste and recycling facilities face one of the industry’s most serious risks: fire. Even the smallest spark can lead to costly downtime, equipment loss and rising insurance premiums. This session will look at how a proactive approach not only protects facilities but also creates measurable business value.
💡 The session covered an overview of the risk landscape, a deep dive into battery technologies, and proven countermeasures, covering operating processes, bulk storage areas and refuse collection vehicles - all risk areas that GreCon can address with tailored solutions, via its PROTECTOR portfolio and in some cases relying on the input from specialist and trusted partners.
📈 Impact & Emerging Trends
🔥 1,200+ battery-related fires in UK waste/recycling (2023–24) — up 71 % year-on-year (Source: NFCC).
🔥 94 % of UK local authorities say battery fires in bin lorries/waste sites are increasing (Source: Material Focus).
🔥 Lithium batteries are now linked to ~48% of all UK waste fires (Source: TRUSTMARK).
🔥 Cost estimates are ~£158 m/yr, with industry commentary suggesting the broader impact exceeds £1 bn (Source: NFCC).
🔥 One operator’s data: 238 facility fires & 116 vehicle fires in 2024 (Source: Veolia).
🔥 In Ireland, multiple significant recycling facility fires occurred recently; fire chiefs note a clear increase in battery-related fire risks (Source: The Journal).
🤝 The session was facilitated by Paul Sanderson, introduced by Jonathan Hamill, and the main topic was covered by Oscar Little.
👷♂️ With a background in mechanical engineering, Oscar has supported countless recycling facilities across the UK and Ireland by enhancing safety with advanced industrial fire protection and spark detection systems. Drawing on his technical expertise, he specialises in the design and implementation of tailored protection solutions that safeguard critical equipment, reduce downtime, and strengthen safety in high-risk industrial environments.
🤙 If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss how we can help, please let us know (0191 4147200 or [email protected]).
💡 We would also be happy to extend this webinar to other interested groups or organisations (e.g. risk and insurance professionals) as part of our wider outreach activities.
