LifestyleGardeningGardeningSome common household items should never go in your regular bin bags as they pose serious fire and safety risks.11:41, 27 May 2026With temperatures across the UK still hovering in the high 20s, it's an ideal opportunity to head outdoors and fire up the barbecue. However, while you're occupied with preparing and sprucing up the garden for summer gatherings, or clearing up afterwards, there are certain items that require extreme caution.‌Miroslav Radov from Rainbow Rubbish Removals says numerous people underestimate just how hazardous BBQ waste can become once it's combined with ordinary rubbish.‌He said: "BBQ waste is one of the most common fire risks people overlook in summer.‌"People will finish cooking, tidy up the garden and assume the ash or disposable BBQ is safe to throw away because it looks cold. But ash and coals can hold heat for hours, and in some cases much longer than people realise."If hot ash, charcoal or a disposable BBQ is put into a bin bag, wheelie bin or mixed rubbish pile, it can quickly become a fire risk."Rainbow Rubbish Removals is also cautioning households against disposing of gas canisters, lighter fluid, batteries, vapes or electrical items in ordinary rubbish during summer clear-outs.‌Miroslav added: "The risk in summer clear-outs is not just the volume of waste. It is what is hidden inside it."Gas canisters, lighter fluid, batteries, vapes, old electricals, paint and chemicals should never be mixed into general rubbish.‌"These items can create real risks once they are loaded, crushed or processed. Just because something fits into a bin bag does not mean it belongs there."9 items you should never put in the rubbish:Disposable BBQs that have not fully cooledBBQ ash, coals or charcoalGas canistersLighter fluid or fuelLithium batteriesDisposable vapesPower banksSmall electrical appliancesPaint, solvents or chemicalsTo safely get rid of BBQ ash and coals, ensure they have fully cooled down to eliminate any fire hazard.Article continues belowHouseholds must also check their local council guidelines regarding gas canisters, electrical waste and hazardous materials."The safest thing to do is separate all these items and check how to dispose of them."Miroslav said: "Never hide gas canisters, batteries or fuel inside black bags. Waste teams need to know what they are handling, and the wrong item in the wrong place can put people and property at risk."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌GardeningWeatherFood and drinkHouse fires