A binman has warned there’s one common item you should never put in your wheelie bin, or your waste might not be collected. That’s because it can pose a safety risk
Binmen won’t be able to take your rubbish if it contains certain items (stock photo)(Image: Peter Fleming via Getty Images)
Most of us are familiar with the frustration of heading out to retrieve our wheelie bins after collection day, only to discover that ours hasn’t been emptied. On occasion, this can simply be an oversight, but more often than not, it’s because the refuse collectors have been unable to empty the bin for one reason or another.
There are numerous reasons why bins may not be collected, ranging from the bin being too heavily loaded to safely tip into the back of the lorry to a mechanical fault with the vehicle that means the crew must return later to complete the round.
However, one of the most common reasons refuse collectors leave a bin unemptied is that the household has placed something inside that shouldn’t be there. This can include attempting to dispose of food or general waste in your recycling bin, or placing prohibited substances in your general waste bin.
A binman recently took to social media to highlight one item you should never put in your bin, warning that it could pose a serious hazard – and that refuse collectors will refuse to take it away.
Ashley, known online as the No.1 Binman, posted a TikTok video in which he made it clear he will not collect a rubbish bin containing a vape, citing the significant dangers involved.
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Set to a soundbite of We’re Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister, Ashley wrote: “When the binmen notice the bin has vapes in it.”
As of June 1, the sale and supply of all single-use or disposable vapes is now illegal across the UK, meaning that if you do vape, you should no longer be in possession of one destined for the bin.
Reusable and refillable vapes remain entirely legal for adults to buy and use, but should one break and you decide to replace it, you still cannot dispose of your old device in either your general waste or recycling bin.
The lithium-ion batteries contained within vapes can present a serious fire hazard when crushed in the back of a refuse lorry, posing a significant danger to bin workers.
How to safely dispose of vapes
With the ban on disposable vapes now firmly in place, any old single-use vapes must be disposed of responsibly. Never place them in your regular rubbish or recycling. The same applies to broken rechargeable vapes that need to be discarded.
Instead, your first step should be to return your vape to any supermarket or specialist vape retailer, where dedicated vape recycling bins should be available.
UK retailers and vape shops are legally obliged to accept used vapes for recycling, making them your go-to option for getting rid of old devices.
Alternatively, you can take your vapes to your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre, which should have a designated area for small electricals or battery recycling.
It is always worth checking with your local council to confirm that your nearest recycling centre accepts vapes, as facilities can vary between different areas.