Pre-Christmas Clearout? Keep Your Bin Spark-Free!
"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."
Doing a pre-Christmas clearout? Remember to recycle old batteries safely.
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.
Why used batteries matter more than you think
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.
- That spark can lead to a fire.
- It’s a small risk with big consequences, and it’s completely preventable.
- A pre-Christmas clear-out is the perfect moment to collect used batteries before the bin gets busy.
What you might find during your tidy
The usual suspects hiding in drawers, handbags, and kitchen presses include:
- AA & AAA batteries
- Button batteries (from candles, remotes, decorations)
- Old vapes
- Power banks
- Dead chargers and cables
- Old electric toothbrush heads or small grooming devices
All of these contain batteries or electrics and should never go in your household bin.
✅ What to do with used batteries
A few simple steps make a big difference:
- Bring used batteries to any shop or supermarket that sells them — they must take them back for free.
- Store loose batteries in a small tub, jar, or Tupperware until you’re ready to recycle.
- Tape the terminals (the ends) to prevent accidental sparks.
- Add old vapes, cables, and small devices to your recycling drop-off list too — they’re all WEEE items.
A quick trip now means fewer risks later in the month.
🚫 What not to do
Avoid the most common mistakes:
- ❌ Don’t put any batteries in general or recycling bins
- ❌ Don’t leave them loose with metal items like keys, coins, or tools
- ❌ Don’t store large quantities at home for long periods
- ❌ Don’t forget about items that contain hidden batteries
A calm, early clean-out helps keep our bins and crews safe through the busiest collection season of the year.
A safer start to the season
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
