Refuse collector Ashley has called out all UK residents who discard two particular items in their recycling bins that could potentially prove to be a fire hazard10:21, 06 Aug 2026A binman has called out the "Karens" who create more work for those in his profession by dumping two forbidden items in their recycling bins. To help protect the planet, we can place dry paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, tubs, pots, drink cans, empty aerosols, glass bottles and jars in our green bins.‌Refuse collector Ashley, who regularly shares insights into all things waste on TikTok, made the point of showing that bins won't be emptied if they contain the unrecyclable goods in question. He shared a video of himself lifting the lid of a dustbin to check it's contents, only to perform a U-turn and head back to the lorry.‌Content cannot be displayed without consent‌He penned in a caption: "When Karen has put vapes and batteries in her bin."Recycle Your Electricals issued a warning over doing so, stating online: "When electricals containing hidden batteries like vapes are binned, they can get crushed or damaged and spark dangerous fires in bin lorries and recycling centres."Last year there were over 1,200 fires across the UK caused by binned vapes and electricals."‌As for battery recycling, the government advises: "You can take most waste batteries to your local supermarket, or any other big shop nearby that sells over 32 kg of batteries a year."There should be a collection point at the premises for ‘portable’ batteries. These include AAA, AA and 9V batteries, battery packs, button batteries and rechargeable batteries, which can be found in a huge range of products."The information continues: "Basically, all batteries apart from those designed for vehicles or industrial use can be dropped off for recycling this way. (The terminals of lithium batteries should ideally be taped up first, to prevent any risk of fire.)‌"The one exception is where the battery is part of the device and cannot be taken out, in items such as calculators and e-cigarettes. These need to be treated as electrical products."Writing in response to Ashley, meanwhile, one TikTok user said: "There's been 4 fires at my partners work in the past few days due to vapes."A second person added: "Anything like that, I take it to my local recycling centre."Article continues belowHowever, a third hit out: "Can’t seem to put nothing in your bin, need about 50 different bins and a college degree these days."And a fourth appeared to be fed up: "Just empty the bin bro... it's not that deep."I don't care as long as my bin is emptied... the explosion will be nowhere near me, so I'll sleep soundly."