A binman has explained what you should be doing with batteries when they’re all used up.
A binman has explained what you should be doing with your used batteries(Image: Martins Rudzitis via Getty Images)
After replacing batteries, it can be tempting to just chuck the used ones into your bin. However, a binman has warned against doing just this — and added that some of them shouldn’t go in your normal recycling either.
TikTok influencer Ashley, who posts as The No1 Binman has explained that you may need to take further steps when dealing with 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 the themselves.”
While you may not think much of putting batteries in your bin for collection, it can increase risks of fire for bin 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.”
Some councils do allow you to place batteries on top of the bin in little carrier bags but you should be sure to check if this applies to you before assuming you can do it.
If your recycling bin has 5-10% non-recycable waste it can be left behind(Image: Getty Images)
Ashley has shared some other tips for ensuring your recycling will be taken every time. He says that binmen are instructed to leave any bin that contains more than 5-10% non-recycable waste. One of the biggest causes of recycling bins being rejected is people not removing packaging.
He says: “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put it in your food waste bin, rather than chucking it straight in there – like if you’ve got a loaf of bread that’s out of date.”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 left in the paper bin, with Ashley stating that if something comes in a cardboard box it’s important to remove the polystyrene before placing the box in the bin.
And finally, when it comes to pizza boxes, despite often being made of cardboard, they’re actually still unsuitable for the recycling bin. This is because the grease from the pizza makes the box unable to be recycled, as it can’t just be wiped off.
The Recycle Now website says: “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.”
Alternatively there are several shops that will allow you to drop off batteries to be recycled and local council-run recycling centres will also likely have collection points for used batteries.
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, are now one of the biggest and fastest-growing causes of fire in household waste and recycling in the UK, the BBC reported earlier this year.
In Guernsey alone, 40 or so separate fires at waste facilities had been caused by hazardous items including batteries in the last four years.
When batteries are discarded in general waste or standard recycling bins, they can be punctured or crushed by heavy machinery during collection or processing, sparking a fire.