Fire hazard from batteries "threatening the existence" of disposal companies

High costs for technology and insurance

According to LVR, Saxony's waste disposal companies are now investing heavily in fire protection technology, early detection systems and personnel. Around 20 percent of investments in new facilities now go towards fire and emission protection, according to Sternkopf.

However, insurance cover is often very expensive, limited or no longer available at all. Some insurers have withdrawn from the market for waste disposal and recycling companies due to high risk assessments, while others demand high premiums and strict conditions, meaning that some companies have to insure themselves. The additional burden could not simply be passed on via municipal waste fees and would fall back on the companies and their commercial customers.

In light of this, the state and federal associations are calling for a ban on certain disposable devices, particularly those with permanently installed lithium batteries. At the same time, the industry is campaigning at European level for a manufacturer-based fund to compensate affected disposal companies. The national association also considers a deposit system to be a sensible solution, as has already been in place for years for car batteries, for example.

Environment Minister speaks out in favor of a ban on disposable e-cigarettes

Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider had already spoken out in favor of a ban on disposable e-cigarettes at the end of 2025, citing, among other things, the fire risk in waste facilities. According to him, there is currently a fire in a waste facility "every day" across Germany, in which incorrectly disposed disposable vapes can play a role. "These things are dangerous. If they get into a waste facility, they can explode and they do explode," said the SPD politician.

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