A binman with a large social media following has reminded households that batteries should not be thrown into ordinary waste or recycling bins. The No1 Binman, who has more than 200,000 followers and almost four million likes on TikTok, said the everyday item can cause serious problems if disposed of incorrectly.
Separate collection reminder
In one of his videos, the council worker turned influencer said: "Batteries, this one is simple - don't put them in your bin. Some councils collect batteries separately and they tell you to put in a black see-through bag."
"All you have to do is attach it to one of the bins, whatever it may be, and they will come collect it. There's always a place to take batteries." He also pointed out that supermarkets, hardware stores and household waste recycling centres can provide places to dispose of them.
Liverpool City Council, for instance, says batteries are accepted at the city's household waste recycling centres, including Otterspool and Old Swan. The council also warns that its household bins should not be used for electrical items, which need to be taken to a recycling centre or dealt with through an appropriate collection.
Fire risk warning
The advice is not simply about recycling. There is a fire risk when batteries are thrown away with ordinary rubbish. Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) has previously warned residents to keep batteries out of both waste and recycling bins because they can be crushed during the collection and recycling process.
Meanwhile, the authority added that damaged batteries can self-combust, potentially setting fire to other waste around them. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has also warned that lithium-ion batteries can enter a dangerous state known as thermal runaway when damaged, short-circuited or otherwise compromised.
The problem can involve more than loose AA or AAA batteries. Devices containing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can also become a hazard if they are discarded without being dealt with correctly.
Where to take batteries
GOV.UK says waste batteries should instead be taken to an appropriate collection point. MRWA says there are 16 household waste recycling centres across the Liverpool City Region alone where batteries can be taken, while dedicated collection points are also available at many shops and supermarkets. So before putting an old battery into the bin, it is worth checking your local arrangements.
