Irish Waste Management Faces €100M in Damage from Vape Fires

A near-miss incident in Castlebar, Ireland, underscores the growing issue of vape-related fires in waste management. In 2025 alone, damages related to vapes exceeded €50 million, contributing to a total of over €100 million in the past three years. The Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA) reports significant risks from lithium-ion batteries in vapes, leading to increased insurance costs and operational hazards. The IWMA urges producers to take responsibility and implement a return scheme for vapes to mitigate these dangers.

Published Mar 26, 2026

A fire incident involving a bin lorry in Castlebar, Ireland, was caused by a lithium-ion battery from a vape, highlighting the dangers of batteries in waste management. In 2025, the waste industry estimates damages from vapes exceeded €50 million, part of over €100 million in total damages in the past three years.

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The IWMA reports that nine waste facilities have burned down in the last five years, risking more in the future if no action is taken. Workers now manually remove vapes to prevent fires, as many remain unrecycled. The IWMA calls for producer responsibility and a return scheme for vapes to reduce risks.