Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 12 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding the risks associated with the transportation and handling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), particularly in relation to lithium-ion battery fire risks and persistent organic pollutant (POP) containing materials, and how it is engaging with the sector to discuss best practice.
The Scottish Government engages regularly with the waste sector to discuss best practice around the transport and handling of WEEE, particularly in relation to the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and persistent organic pollutant (POP) containing materials.
The Scottish Government is keen to support making it easy for individuals to correctly dispose of electrical items and products containing lithium batteries. Retailers and distributors of electrical products are required to provide takeback services so consumers can return used batteries and electrical items for appropriate recycling.
On 3 December 2025, the Scottish Government hosted a roundtable with industry on fire and battery safety at waste and recycling sites, including presentations from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Optimum Eco Group on the proper disposal and handling of WEEE and waste batteries. Following this meeting, SEPA updated guidance with input from industry stakeholders to ensure best practice was captured and shared.