A binman has shared how to safely dispose of batteries, warning about the fire risks of disposing of batteries at home
A binman has shared how to safely dispose of batteries, warning about the fire risks of disposing of batteries in at home(Image: Anton Pentegov via Getty Images)
Once you have replaced old batteries, it can be tempting to simply throw them into your household bin. However, a refuse collector has warned against doing precisely that — adding that certain batteries should not be placed in your regular recycling bin either.
TikTok influencer Ashley, who posts under the name The No1 Binman, has explained that extra steps may be required when getting rid of batteries. Ashley 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.”
While it might appear harmless to leave batteries in your bin for collection, doing so can present a considerable fire hazard to refuse lorries. Ashley adds: “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.”
If your recycling bin has five to 10% non-recyclable waste it can be left behind(Image: Getty Images)
Some local councils do allow residents to place batteries on top of their bins in small carrier bags, though you should verify whether this is applicable in your area before assuming it is permitted.
Ashley has also provided further advice on making sure your recycling is collected each time. He notes that refuse workers are instructed to leave any bin that contains more than five to 10% non-recyclable waste.
One of the most frequent causes for recycling bins being turned away is homeowners neglecting to remove packaging. He explained: “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put it in your food waste bin, rather than chucking it straight in there – like if you’ve got a loaf of bread that’s out of date.”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 common issue is polystyrene ending up in the paper bin. Ashley emphasises that if an item is delivered in a cardboard box, it is essential to strip out any polystyrene packaging before placing the box in your recycling.
When it comes to pizza boxes, while they are usually made from cardboard, they remain inappropriate for the recycling bin. The explanation for this is that grease soaked up from the pizza makes the cardboard non-recyclable, as it cannot be simply cleaned off.
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.”
As an alternative, numerous retailers provide battery drop-off facilities for recycling, and council-operated recycling centres are also expected to have specific collection areas for spent batteries.
Not all batteries can be recycled(Image: Martins Rudzitis via Getty Images)
Which types of batteries can be recycled?All household batteries including ‘button’ batteries from watches.Battery packs from laptops, mobile phones, power tools and remote control units.Car batteries can also be recycled but only at designated collection points, not in your home recycling.Why can’t I put batteries in general waste?
Household batteries, including those found in vapes, toys, headphones and car key fobs, have emerged as one of the most significant and rapidly growing causes of fires in domestic waste and recycling across the UK, as the BBC reported earlier this year.
In Guernsey alone, roughly 40 individual fires at waste facilities had been sparked by hazardous items, including batteries, over the preceding four years.
When batteries are thrown away in general waste or standard recycling bins, there is a risk of them being punctured or crushed by heavy machinery during collection or processing, which can trigger a blaze.