As we prepare our homes for the festive season — putting up decorations, making space for guests, and doing that traditional pre-Christmas tidy — we often come across things we haven’t seen since last year: old chargers, tangled cables, and of course… used batteries.
Before any of these small items accidentally end up in your bin, here’s why a quick bit of sorting now can make Christmas safer for everyone.
During this time of year, waste trucks and recycling facilities deal with much higher volumes of household waste. Even a single used battery — especially lithium ones found in vapes, remotes, lights, and gadgets — can cause a spark if it’s crushed or damaged.
The usual suspects hiding in drawers, handbags, and kitchen presses include:
All of these contain batteries or electrics and should never go in your household bin.
A few simple steps make a big difference:
A quick trip now means fewer risks later in the month.
Avoid the most common mistakes:
A calm, early clean-out helps keep our bins and crews safe through the busiest collection season of the year.
Doing your pre-Christmas clear-out is one of the simplest ways to reduce battery fires in waste trucks — and it only takes a few minutes.
Find your nearest drop-off point at: mywaste.ie
We often think of batteries and vapes as the main culprits behind bin fires — but they’re just part of the story. Many ordinary household items can pose serious fire risks when tossed into bins without a second thought.
These items are small, common, and easy to overlook — but once compacted in a waste truck, they can spark, overheat, or even explode.
Power banks & gadgets – contain lithium batteries that can ignite if damaged or crushed.
Electrical cables & chargers – can short or spark when frayed or compressed.
Mini gas canisters / camping gear – contain pressurised gas that can burst under heat or pressure.
Hot ashes – can smoulder for hours and reignite when mixed with waste.
Halogen light bulbs & small electronics – need proper WEEE recycling, not household bins.
Remember – if it’s powered, pressurised, or electrical — it doesn’t belong in your bin.
Bring these items to your local civic amenity site or relevant recycling point.
Let ashes cool fully and store in a metal container before disposal.
When in doubt, check mywaste.ie to find the right recycling option for your area.
❌ Don’t mix these items into your general waste or recycling bins.
❌ Don’t assume “small = harmless” — these are among the most common fire starters in bins and trucks.
❌ Don’t store damaged electrical items or old chargers with other waste.
Every year, preventable fires occur in waste trucks and recycling centres because of items like these. A single spark can cause serious damage to equipment, interrupt collection services, and put workers at risk.
By sorting carefully and recycling correctly, you’re keeping your bin, our crews, and your community safe — while helping valuable materials get recovered instead of burned or wasted.
Search any household item at mywaste.ie to see exactly how to dispose of it safely.
