Vigilant Scanning Limited ("VSL") - Battery detection and fire prevention in the UK Waste and Recycling Industry (the “Industry”)

Across the UK there are over 300 major fires annually at waste and recycling sites. Approximately 65% of these (c.200 toxic fires) are ignited by negligently disposed of lithium-ion batteries ("Batteries") damaged in the waste and recycling process, resulting in explosive ignition. These 200 Battery fires cause over £158m of direct economic loss and untold environmental damage annually.

To meet consumer demand, annual Battery production is projected to reach 35billion in 2024, a seven-fold increase on 2018\. With high volumes entering the global waste system, Battery initiated fire risk is greatly increased. Whilst some are loose in the waste, many are incorporated into every-day products like mobile phones, computers, electric toothbrushes, power tools, electronic gadgets, and even musical greetings cards. When compacted and processed, these become damaged, resulting in the fires.

By applying its patented, innovative technology and the results of this Industrial Research, Vigilant Scanning's team will develop a scanner capable of detecting and locating Batteries, without the need for a direct line-of-sight, within compacted waste in a refuse truck before it enters the waste and recycling process. This will enable site operators to take remedial action, mitigating the fire risk.

VSL's scanners will also provide the site with valuable additional data to increase its operational efficiency and optimise recycling of materials for a healthier, cleaner environment.

The waste fire problem is not confined to the UK. Through this public funding, we aim to:

* enable a global reduction in toxic waste fires;
* enhance safer recycling and a cleaner environment;
* boost skills, employment and productivity of a greener UK economy; and
* all with no adverse impact on consumers.

These aims would be sooner and better achieved if concurrent producer and consumer education initiatives effected changes in manufacturing, making Batteries easily accessible and removable, and elicited behavioural change to increase safe Battery disposal.

Failure to dispose of such waste in appropriate electrical bins can result in a damaged battery igniting and reaching over 500° C in less than a second, projecting an aggressive flame over 1m long (resembling a firework or flare) whilst embedded in highly combustible waste material \[e.g. See [http://www.mewlaw.co.uk/3clips-batteryfires.mp4][0]\]

The Waste and Recycling Industry, the Environment Agency and UK Fire and Rescue Service are engaged and fully support this project and the Vigilant Scanning team is grateful for the support this public funding will provide in helping us help the UK and, ultimately the world.

[0]: http://www.mewlaw.co.uk/3clips-batteryfires.mp4