Households are being urged not to put used batteries into general rubbish or recycling bins because of the significant fire risk they pose. The warning comes from The No1 Binman, a council worker turned TikTok creator with more than 200,000 followers and almost four million likes.
In one of his videos, The No1 Binman reminded people that there are separate ways to get rid of batteries and that they should not be placed in household waste. He explained that some councils collect batteries separately and ask residents to put them in a black see-through bag attached to one of their bins for collection.
Where to dispose of batteries
The No1 Binman also pointed to supermarkets, hardware stores and household waste recycling centres as places where unwanted batteries can be taken. However, exactly how batteries should be presented for collection can vary between councils, so households are advised to check their own local authority's instructions.
There is a good reason for the warning, particularly when it comes to batteries containing lithium-ion cells. Welsh Government guidance says local authorities should discourage residents from putting batteries or small electrical items containing lithium-ion batteries into residual waste because of the significant fire risk.
Fire risk from damaged batteries
Batteries can still hold a charge even when a device or product is no longer being used. If they are damaged or crushed during waste collection and processing, they can become a source of ignition and potentially cause fires.
That means households should think carefully before putting an old battery-powered item into a bin, too. Phones, toys, rechargeable devices and other electrical products may contain batteries that need a separate recycling route rather than being placed in ordinary household waste.
Some councils provide dedicated battery collections or collection points, while retailers may also accept certain types of used batteries. Residents should therefore check their council's recycling information or look for a suitable battery recycling point rather than assuming batteries can go into either their rubbish or recycling bin.
