Fife Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are warning residents about the fire risks from discarded lithium-ion batteries.
The authorities aim to inform the public and prevent future fire hazards caused by improper battery disposal.
The batteries, typically found in everyday technology, pose a significant fire risk if they are disposed of in general waste bins.
When damaged in waste lorries or recycling sites, lithium-ion batteries can ignite, leading to fires.
Robin Baird, chief executive officer at Fife Resource Solutions LLP and Cireco, said: "The national increase in fires relating to batteries is now reaching unprecedented levels.
"We urge people to help us deal with this threat by recycling batteries and not putting them into any of your household bins.
"Through safe and responsible recycling, these fires can be prevented."
The increase in battery-related fires has become a matter of serious concern, with more than 1,200 fires reported across bin lorries and waste sites in the UK in 2023, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.
This is a 71 per cent increase from the previous year, a rise attributed to improper battery disposal.
Everyday devices such as mobile phones, laptops, vapes, and power tools are powered by these potentially hazardous lithium-ion batteries.
Area Commander Lee Turnock, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for Clackmannanshire, Fife, Stirling, said: "These batteries can pose a fire risk if disposed of incorrectly.
"By taking these simple steps, we can reduce the risk of dangerous fires and protect our communities."
To reduce fire hazards, Fife Council and the fire service have provided guidance to safely dispose of batteries and electrical items, typically via local retailers or recycling centres.
They also underscore the importance of first attempting to repair and reuse gadgets like e-bikes and e-scooters, and urge residents to comply with the manufacturer's guidance for safe charging and maintenance.
Fife Council spokesperson for environment and climate change, councillor Jan Wincott, said: "With more products containing lithium-ion batteries, it’s important that products like batteries are disposed of responsibly – to protect the environment, ensure precious materials are recycled and to keep our families, neighbours and waste workers safe."
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