Safe waste disposal warning issued by Crusader Fire

Household waste fire risk prompts warning from Crusader Fire

Crusader Fire has warned that the improper disposal of common household items is contributing to over 30,000 refuse-related fires each year in the UK.

Fire safety specialist Jonny Smith from Crusader Fire listed several items that should not be placed in general waste or recycling bins due to the fire risks they pose.

Among the primary concerns are lithium-ion batteries found in vapes and other electronic devices.

Smith said: “Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in vapes and electronic devices, are extremely flammable when damaged or crushed.”

Batteries and vapes remain key fire risks in waste facilities

According to Smith, improper disposal of vapes remains a widespread issue in the UK: “With 13.5 million vapes purchased weekly in the UK, 71% of vapes are still being improperly discarded.”

Vapes and other battery-powered items have been linked to over 1,200 fires in the waste industry in the past year, he said.

Smith advised returning vapes to retailers, where disposal is mandatory, and taking electronic items containing batteries—such as phones, laptops, and toothbrushes—to recycling centres or designated collection points.

Paints, chemicals and oils add to combustion hazards

Several everyday products can create fire risks when mixed or compacted in refuse.

Oil-based paints, for example, can release flammable fumes that ignite under pressure.

Smith recommended disposing of leftover paint at hazardous waste facilities or during community collection events.

Household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can react with other waste materials, while aerosol cans and products labelled flammable or combustible should not be thrown out without following safety procedures.

Smith said: “By following simple steps like detaching the lid and avoiding piercing or flattening the cans, we can make recycling safer and more effective.”

Cylinders, ashes and fireworks require special handling

As seasonal items like gas cylinders and fireworks become more common, so too do associated fire hazards.

Smith noted that camping stove canisters and grill gas tanks should be returned to suppliers or hazardous waste centres.

Used fireworks and ‘duds’ should be soaked in water, drained safely, wrapped in plastic, and then placed in general waste bins.

Ashes and coals, which may still retain heat after a day or more, also pose a risk.

Smith advised making sure they are fully extinguished before disposal.

Cooking oil should be cooled, sealed in a leak-proof container, and recycled through appropriate local channels.

Safe waste disposal warning issued by Crusader Fire: Summary

Crusader Fire has warned that over 30,000 bin fires in the UK each year are linked to the improper disposal of household items.

Lithium-ion batteries in vapes and electronics have caused over 1,200 waste industry fires in the last 12 months.

Vapes should be returned to retailers, while electronic items should be taken to recycling points.

Rechargeable batteries in phones and cameras are also a known risk.

Oil-based paints and household chemicals such as bleach and aerosols can ignite if compacted or mixed.

Empty aerosol cans can go in recycling bins, but full cans must be taken to hazardous waste centres.

Gas cylinders from camping and BBQ use must be returned or specially handled.

Ashes and coals must be fully cooled before disposal.

Used cooking oil should be stored safely and taken to recycling points.

Fireworks should be soaked, drained, and safely wrapped before disposal.