Sort correctly: batteries and rechargeable devices don’t belong in the PMD bag or in general waste

A lithium-ion battery thrown away in the wrong place can be damaged during collection, transport, sorting or waste processing, and cause a fire to break out. Yet this risk can easily be avoided with one simple action: taking used batteries and electrical and electronic devices to the collection points intended for that purpose. From 31 August 2026, Bebat, Fost Plus and Recupel are highlighting this essential reflex in an awareness campaign.

Lithium-ion batteries are now part of everyday life. In 2025, more than 27.8 million lithium-ion batteries were placed on the Belgian market — twice as many as twenty years ago. Smartphones, wireless earbuds, laptops, electric toothbrushes, toys, power tools, e-cigarettes and electric scooters can all contain a rechargeable battery. As the battery is often built into the device, consumers can easily forget to remove it before throwing the item away.

When a battery ends up in the wrong waste stream — whether that is the PMD bag, paper and cardboard, or general waste — it can be crushed or punctured during sorting and mechanical processing. This can cause overheating, sparks, or even a fire. This risk endangers waste collection and processing workers, damages facilities, and disrupts recycling.

Adel Lassouli, spokesperson for Bruxelles-Propreté, states: 'The risk is unfortunately not theoretical. In early July, a Bruxelles-Propreté collection truck caught fire, requiring the fire brigade to intervene. According to initial findings from the investigation, the fire was linked to a sorting error and the presence of chemical waste. This type of incident is a reminder that the consequences of incorrect sorting don’t stop once the bags are put out on the pavement. While the fire was likely caused by an aerosol can among the collected cardboard and paper, our teams still regularly find batteries in the yellow bags, even though this type of waste must be taken to dedicated collection channels. The Agency stresses that correct sorting protects the entire waste management chain, from collection through to recycling, while also safeguarding the safety of workers, vehicles and processing facilities.'

One simple action makes all the difference

The right destination is simple to remember: used batteries must be taken to a Bebat collection point. Electrical or electronic devices must always be taken to a Recupel collection point. When a device contains a battery, always remove it first and place it in the Bebat container, before putting the device - now without its battery - in the Recupel container. Devices with non-removable, built-in batteries belong in the Recupel container.

Sorting correctly this way helps limit the risks, protects everyone involved in the waste management chain, and makes it possible to safely and efficiently recover raw materials that can then be recycled.

The awareness campaign runs from 31 August to the end of September. To reach as wide an audience as possible, the campaign draws on several complementary channels: online video (streaming television and YouTube), banners distributed across a wide network of news websites content tailored for social media (TikTok, Meta, Snapchat).

More information at www.triezentoutesécurité.be / www.sorteerveilig.be

Fatima Boudjaoui

Spokeswomen, Bebat

Valerie Bruyninckx

Communication & Engagement Manager, Fost Plus

Eric Dewaet

CEO, Recupel

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