Binman shares 'massive headache' when everyday item is thrown in bins

Binman shares 'massive headache' when everyday item is thrown in bins One popular item could create serious problems once it ends up in household waste It can be easy to assume once something has gone in the bin, it is no longer your problem. But one binman has warned that a seemingly small and harmless item can create a much bigger headache for crews, councils and fire services. Ur Nans Favourite Binman shared the warning on TikTok after being asked what happens to discarded vapes and e-cigarettes. He said putting them in household bins is a "massive no-no" because devices containing batteries can create a fire risk when they are collected and processed. "Batteries, lithium batteries, toothbrushes, portable chargers and broken phones" were also among the items he urged people not to put in their bins. He said these products "need to be disposed of properly" because they can cause fires in bin lorries. The binman explained that a fire can have consequences far beyond the vehicle itself, potentially affecting residents, firefighters and the council responsible for the waste service. In his words, a lorry may have to be taken out of service and its entire load tipped out somewhere safe while crews deal with the situation. His warning is backed by official advice, with the Office for Product Safety and Standards telling people not to put vapes in general waste or household recycling. It recommends using vape take-back schemes or dedicated recycling points instead. Importantly, the risk does not necessarily disappear when a vape has stopped working. The binman specifically urged people to dispose of "dead" vapes properly too, while GOV.UK warns that lithium-ion batteries can catch fire when dumped in rubbish, particularly if they become damaged. For households in Wales, the Welsh Government is similarly clear that vapes cannot go into household waste and should instead be taken to a household recycling centre or an appropriate recycling point. The guidance highlights the combination of batteries, metal and plastic as part of the reason they pose a fire risk. The practical message is simple, don't assume an empty vape belongs in the normal rubbish or recycling. Check your council's arrangements or use an appropriate vape recycling point, helping to keep potentially dangerous batteries away from waste collection and processing equipment.