Creatives have been invited to create a work of art that will stop people throwing away batteries that could spark dangerous fires.
East London Waste Authority (ELWA) is inviting proposals from local artists and makers for a public art installation to encourage residents to recycle small electricals and lithium-ion batteries at dedicated recycling points, and never put them in any bin at home.
The installation will tour Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, and Redbridge this year.
Councillor Miraj Patel, chair of ELWA, said: "Battery fires in bin lorries and waste sites remain a challenge across all local authorities.
"There were 229 fires in ELWA’s waste facilities last year, a 57 per cent increase over the previous year.
"We want to use art to engage and shift recycling habits in communities across East London, and I’m really excited to see what our brilliant creative community can come up with."
The project is part of ELWA’s partnership with Recycle Your Electricals’ "Stop Battery Fires" campaign.
Artists and creators interested in finding out more about the brief should visit www.eastlondonwaste.gov.uk/batteries.
The installation should stand out from the crowd, spark curiosity, and deliver a clear message about electrical recycling.
The deadline for submissions is 9am on Monday, February 9, 2026. Completed installations are due by June 2026.
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