Everyday items can cause bin fires!
"Many ordinary household items can pose serious fire risks when tossed into bins without a second thought."
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.
Common Hidden Fire Risks
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Power banks & gadgets – contain lithium batteries that can ignite if damaged or crushed.
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Electrical cables & chargers – can short or spark when frayed or compressed.
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Mini gas canisters / camping gear – contain pressurised gas that can burst under heat or pressure.
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Hot ashes – can smoulder for hours and reignite when mixed with waste.
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Halogen light bulbs & small electronics – need proper WEEE recycling, not household bins.
What to Do
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Remember – if it’s powered, pressurised, or electrical — it doesn’t belong in your bin.
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Bring these items to your local civic amenity site or relevant recycling point.
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Let ashes cool fully and store in a metal container before disposal.
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When in doubt, check mywaste.ie to find the right recycling option for your area.
What Not to Do
❌ 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.
Why It Matters
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.
Find Out More
Search any household item at mywaste.ie to see exactly how to dispose of it safely.
