A 40 PER cent drop in fire alarms is being attributed to a new battery recycling scheme.
Dumfries and Galloway Council officials say the kerbside collection, running since last September, has had a significant impact on improving fire safety in the region.
Over two tonnes of batteries have been recycled locally and there has also been a marked reduction in the number of fire alarms at the council’s recycling centre at Lochar Moss.
It experiences issues when lithium-ion batteries spontaneously ignite, burning at high temperatures.
A council report on the issue and success of the scheme, which has cost £72,000 and was largely funded by Zero Waste Scotland, was tabled for councillors last week.
It noted: “The primary aim of the project was to increase recycling tonnages and reduce the number of fire alarm activations at the mechanical biological treatment facility (Lochar Moss).
“It has been established that since the introduction of this new service there has been approximately 40 percent reduction in the number of fire alarm activations.
“This kerbside collection continues to be well received by communities across Dumfries and Galloway.”
