With heatwave warnings in place, it is expected the UK could reach temperatures of 33°C this weekend and glass waste company, BusinessWaste.co.uk, is urging people to carefully dispose of empty glass bottles to prevent a wildfire.
Wildfires are on the rise, with research finding that by April 2025, the UK had already surpassed records for the area of land burnt by wildfires.
So far this year there have been 170 fires, burning an area of 35,666ha – an area 1.13 times bigger than Malta, according to Copernicus.
Fires like these are becoming more common due to climate change. One study, published by IOP Science found that human-induced climate change makes the dangerous conditions needed for wildfires at least six times more likely.
Why is glass waste an issue?
Glass waste, specifically any that is clear or curved like drinks bottles, can act as a magnifying glass in direct sunlight and start fires, according to Business Waste.
The magnifying effect of glass can project the sun’s rays onto dry material like grass, wood, or paper.
When this reaches a certain temperature it can ignite a fire. Combine this with dry and windy conditions, and fires spread quickly.
While this may sound an unlikely combination of factors, it is more common than many people realise, e.g., a fire in the Peak District last month was attributed to discarded bottles, and a similar situation was seen on the Isle of Arran in April.
Outside of wildfires, glass also poses a risk in the home, according to the experts. Residents should be careful when disposing of glass into open top bins, especially when combined with other combustible materials found in dry mixed recycling, such as paper and cardboard.
Alongside this, a single glass bottle left on dry garden grass could be enough to start a fire.
Beyond the obvious risk to health and life, wildfires, especially those that burn the UK’s moorland, can be ecologically devastating. They can wipe out whole ecosystems and make local areas more prone to future flooding.
How should you dispose of glass?
The advice is that if you take any glass bottles with you to open outdoor spaces, you should always take them home with you.
Never leave glass exposed in direct sunlight for long periods of time, especially alongside dry vegetation and materials like paper and cardboard.
Glass should always be recycled. Waste glass is considered a valuable resource that can be constantly recycled into new glass products.
If glass is sent to landfill, the raw material is lost and more must be mined to create new products. Recycling glass saves up to 30% of the energy compared to making new glass from raw materials, according to Business Waste.
What to do if you spot a fire
First, ensure you get yourself and anyone you are with to safety. Once you have done so, call 999 to report the fire.
Try to give as much detailed information as you can about the location – What3Words can be helpful to pinpoint fires.
Never attempt to put out a wildfire yourself, as these types of fires can behave erratically.
Consequences if your litter leads to fire?
If your litter causes a fire, and you left this ‘deliberately’ or ‘recklessly’, this might be classed as arson under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. This could result in a criminal record, unlimited fines, and even a prison sentence.
Littering itself can see you issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £500, or a fine in court of up to £2,500.
Glass waste expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, Graham Matthews commented: “Many people aren’t aware of the danger discarded glass poses. But as the weather heats up, it’s essential that the public are careful with all waste.
“We know that climate change is only escalating the risk of wildfires across the UK, and we have seen many concerning instances of just a single glass bottle being responsible for burning huge swathes of the countryside.
“We urge people to be responsible and considerate with any glass waste, both in and outside the home. You should always take your litter with you regardless, but the consequences are so much higher in hot, dry weather.
“While leaving glass bottles unattended or littered may seem like a simple moment of carelessness, the lasting impact on our environment can be huge.”
