A refuse collector has warned against putting batteries in household bins, saying they can cause fires in refuse lorries. The TikTok influencer, known as The No1 Binman, also explained the correct way to dispose of them safely.
Where to Take Batteries Instead
Ashley, who posts under the name The No1 Binman, told the BBC: "Do not put vapes or batteries in any bin. You can take them to B&Q or the vape shop you bought them from, and they're meant to dispose of them themselves."
Leaving batteries in bins for collection can present a considerable fire hazard to refuse lorries. Ashley added: "I've had this before - and I'm not sure if it's a battery or a vape - the back of a lorry started smoking."
Some local councils do allow residents to place batteries on top of their bins in small carrier bags, but residents should verify whether this is permitted in their area before assuming it is.
Why Recycling Bins Get Left Behind
Ashley also provided advice on ensuring recycling is collected every time. He noted that refuse workers are instructed to leave any bin containing more than five to 10% non-recyclable waste, reports Wales Online.
One of the most frequent reasons recycling bins are turned away is homeowners neglecting to strip away packaging. He said: "You should be taking food out if you put it in your food waste bin, rather than chucking it straight in there – like if you've got a loaf of bread that's out of date."
Another regular issue involves polystyrene ending up in the paper bin. Ashley emphasised that if an item is delivered in a cardboard box, it's essential to extract any polystyrene packaging before depositing the box in the recycling.
Pizza boxes, while usually made from cardboard, are still not appropriate for the recycling bin. The grease soaked up from the pizza makes the cardboard non-recyclable, as it cannot be cleaned off.
Official Guidance and Battery Types
The Recycle Now website reads: "If your local authority accepts batteries as part of their home recycling scheme there may be special instructions on how to put them out for collection - for example, place batteries in a clear plastic bag tied to your recycling bin. It is best to check with them first."
Numerous retailers provide battery drop-off points for recycling, and local council-operated recycling centres are also likely to maintain designated collection points for spent batteries.
All household batteries, including 'button' batteries from watches, can be recycled. Battery packs from laptops, mobile phones, power tools and remote control units are also recyclable. Car batteries can be recycled but only at designated collection points, not in home recycling.
Household batteries — including those contained within vapes, toys, headphones and car key fobs — have emerged as one of the most notable and rapidly growing causes of fires in domestic waste and recycling facilities across the UK, as the BBC reported earlier this year. In Guernsey alone, approximately 40 separate fires at waste facilities had been triggered by hazardous items, including batteries, over the past four years.
When batteries are discarded in general waste or standard recycling bins, they risk being punctured or crushed by heavy machinery during collection or processing, which can spark a blaze.
