East London Waste Authority (ELWA) is inviting local artists, makers, and creative organisations to submit proposals for a bold, engaging, and educational public installation. The aim of the installation will be to ‘power up’ East London residents and encourage them to recycle their small electricals and batteries at dedicated recycling points, and never put them in any bin at home.
Lithium-ion batteries hidden inside small electrical devices, such as vapes, ear pods, e-scooters, or children’s toys, can set fire when compacted in waste collection vehicles and facilities. These kinds of fires have been increasing nationwide, prompting an urgent need for more awareness of the issue amongst the public.
The selected designer will be commissioned by ELWA to create an eye-catching installation, which will tour the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham and Redbridge in 2026.
The new initiative sees ELWA join forces with Recycle Your Electricals ’ “Stop Battery Fires” campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of incorrectly disposing of electricals and hidden lithium-ion batteries. This follows the success of ELWA’s Battery Recycling Roadshow campaign in February 2025, which saw over 1000 people interacting with the engagement team at busy venues across East London.
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.
Interested applicants must submit their proposal by 9am on Monday 9th February 2026. Delivery will be required by June 2026. Email any questions to campaigns@eastlondonwaste.gov.uk
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% increase over the previous year. These fires cost the waste industry millions of pounds each year, but also pose a significant risk to frontline staff collecting and treating waste.
The public can play a really important role in helping stamp out this issue by disposing of batteries and electrical items correctly. 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.”
