A binman has warned Britons against throwing electric toothbrushes into household bins, citing a serious fire risk. Popular TikTok content creator Ashley, known as @Theno1.binman, shared the advice with his 169,000 followers, urging people to dispose of these items properly.
According to Ashley, electric toothbrushes contain rechargeable batteries that can ignite when crushed in bin lorries or at recycling centres. "You do not put them in your general waste bin, and you do not put them in your recycling bins because they have a rechargeable battery inside them," he explained. The blades in collection vehicles can burst the battery, starting a fire that poses a danger to workers and property.
Instead, Ashley recommends taking old electric toothbrushes to shops like Boots or Currys, which often have dedicated collection points for small electrical items. Alternatively, they can be taken to household waste recycling centres, which have special bays for small electronics. "Sometimes you just have to return stuff to where you got it from," he added.
Some local authorities do accept small electrical items as part of home recycling schemes, but residents are advised to check with their council for specific instructions. For example, some areas may require these items to be placed in a clear plastic bag tied to the recycling bin. Proper disposal helps prevent fires and ensures batteries are handled safely.
