With temperatures across the UK still hovering in the high 20s, many are heading outdoors to fire up the barbecue. However, while preparing and clearing up for summer gatherings, certain items require extreme caution. Miroslav Radov from Rainbow Rubbish Removals warns that numerous people underestimate how hazardous BBQ waste can become once combined with ordinary rubbish.
BBQ Waste: A Common Fire Risk
"BBQ waste is one of the most common fire risks people overlook in summer," Radov said. "People finish cooking, tidy up the garden, and assume the ash or disposable BBQ is safe to throw away because it looks cold. But ash and coals can hold heat for hours, and in some cases much longer than people realise. If hot ash, charcoal, or a disposable BBQ is put into a bin bag, wheelie bin, or mixed rubbish pile, it can quickly become a fire risk."
Other Hazardous Items to Avoid
Rainbow Rubbish Removals also cautions households against disposing of gas canisters, lighter fluid, batteries, vapes, or electrical items in ordinary rubbish during summer clear-outs. "The risk in summer clear-outs is not just the volume of waste. It is what is hidden inside it," Radov added. "Gas canisters, lighter fluid, batteries, vapes, old electricals, paint, and chemicals should never be mixed into general rubbish. These items can create real risks once they are loaded, crushed, or processed. Just because something fits into a bin bag does not mean it belongs there."
Nine Items Never to Put in the Rubbish
- Disposable BBQs that have not fully cooled
- BBQ ash, coals, or charcoal
- Gas canisters
- Lighter fluid or fuel
- Lithium batteries
- Disposable vapes
- Power banks
- Small electrical appliances
- Paint, solvents, or chemicals
To safely dispose of BBQ ash and coals, ensure they have fully cooled down to eliminate any fire hazard. Households must also check their local council guidelines regarding gas canisters, electrical waste, and hazardous materials. "The safest thing to do is separate all these items and check how to dispose of them," Radov said. "Never hide gas canisters, batteries, or fuel inside black bags. Waste teams need to know what they are handling, and the wrong item in the wrong place can put people and property at risk."
