Borough residents warned of the danger of "zombie batteries"

The campaign aims to tackle the problem of fires caused by carelessly discarded dead batteries at recycling centres.

It urges consumers to remove dead batteries from items and only recycle using the specialist battery recycling services at its centres.

People should also never throw batteries away alongside general rubbish or other recycling.

Locals looking to dispose of dead batteries can take them to their household waste recycling centre, or other collection points at supermarkets and electrical retailers.

Dead batteries thrown away with other waste and recycling are likely to be crushed or punctured once the waste is collected and processed.

Some battery types such as lithium-ion (Li-ion) and nickel-metal Hydride (NiMH), can ignite or even explode when they’re damaged. Once this happens, the batteries can quickly set fire to other materials present in the waste and lead to serious incidents.

Fires caused by carelessly discarded batteries can endanger lives and cause millions of pounds of damage and disrupt vital waste services.

Although safe to use normally, powerful lithium-ion batteries are typically the most dangerous if they are not recycled properly.

These batteries are often found in products like laptops, tablets, mobile phones, radio-controlled toys, Bluetooth devices, shavers, electric toothbrushes, power tools, scooters and even e-cigarettes.

Julie Fourcade, head of external affairs f or FCC Environment, said: “We are pleased to support our local authority partners with the ESA (Environmental Services Association) campaign to help prevent waste and recycling fires caused by batteries that have not been disposed of properly.

“Everyone has a part to play in this important campaign to ensure both public safety and that of our staff working so hard to serve their communities.”

Consumers can find out more about the dangers of zombie batteries by visiting the campaign website at www.takecharge.org.uk.