Lithium battery fires

Lithium batteries have caused fires in the rubbish lorries. Please do not put batteries in your waste or recycling bin. All batteries (including lithium batteries from e-bikes and e-scooters and other re-chargeable devices) can be taken to the Reuse and Recycling Centre at Northumberland Wharf.

Report engine idling

We have an environmental health team who regularly visit locations in the borough where idling has been reported as a problem.

The team speak to drivers, educating them about idling and asking them to switch off their engines when stationary.

Our officers are authorised to issue fines to drivers who idle and do not switch their engines off when asked.

Between January 2019 and December 2021, our team asked 358 drivers to turn their engines off along with sharing information about the health harms of idling. Along with enforcing against idling, we also want to educate drivers so they change their behaviour.

If you see a vehicle idling in Tower Hamlets, please report the details online to our environmental health team.