Small, inexpensive gadgets, often referred to as fast-tech, are quickly becoming one of Europe’s fastest-growing, most overlooked and dangerous waste streams.That forgotten charging cable at the back of a drawer. The wireless earbuds that stopped working. The broken electronic toy or used vape. They may seem harmless, but many contain batteries, even when it is not immediately obvious.When these items are thrown into the black or recycling bag, their batteries can be crushed or damaged during waste processing. At WasteServ facilities, battery-related fires are a regular occurrence, with an average of at least two incidents every month. These fires can spread rapidly and cause explosions, putting workers, firefighters and critical infrastructure at risk.The good news? Preventing them is easy.Loose batteries can be dropped into dedicated collection bins found in many supermarkets, local council offices and schools. Small electronic items, including electric toothbrushes, toys, USB drives and cordless tools, can be taken to local council offices, WasteServ Roadshow Trucks or Civic Amenity Sites.Vapes should never be thrown away with household waste. If you’re buying a new one, you can return an equivalent used vape to the retailer free of charge. In fact, businesses that import, sell or distribute vapes are legally required to accept an equivalent used device on a one-for-one basis.Every device has two endings.One can lead to fires, environmental damage and wasted resources.The other helps protect people, recover valuable materials and keep our environment safe.You choose which one.Learn more through WasteServ’s Be Smart. No Spark. campaign at WasteServ’s Be Smart website.Share this and help spread the word•