Batteries, vapes, aerosols and other hazardous waste

Hazardous waste is any waste that poses a risk to people or the environment. It might burn easily, be sharp or poisonous, explode, corrode other materials, or react with other substances. Because of these risks, it must be handled and disposed of safely.

Why hazardous waste is a problem

We’re seeing a rise in fires caused by hazardous waste put in household bins. In 2025 there were more than 30 incidents, including fires in bin lorries and at the Middlewich waste transfer station.

Many of these fires were started by items containing lithium‑ion batteries such as mobile phones, vapes and laptops. When damaged or crushed, these batteries can ignite surrounding waste and even re‑ignite hours later, causing explosions and chemical exposure.

Do not put hazardous waste in household bins

Hazardous waste must never be placed in your household bins (black, silver or garden waste). You can find out how to dispose of it safely in our what waste goes where guide.

We’ve also identified some of the common types of hazardous waste below. 

If in doubt, keep it out of your bin and help keep our staff and the public safe.

Common types of hazardous waste and how to dispose of them

Batteries

Take small household batteries to:

• participating shops and supermarkets
• your local household waste recycling centre

Small domestic appliances

Small domestic appliances include items like hair straighteners, microwaves, kettles, shavers, mobile phones, laptops and power tools. 

You can dispose of these safely by:

• using retailer take‑back schemes
• donating to a charity shop (check they accept electricals first)
• offering items on reuse apps such as Olio, Freegle, Freecycle or Facebook Marketplace
• taking items to a household waste recycling centre

Find your nearest repair, recycle and donation points.

Needles and syringes

Needles and syringes must not be put in household bins and cannot be taken to household waste recycling centres.

Place them in the sharps box provided by your healthcare provider.
Return full boxes to your GP or pharmacy.

Knives

Place knives into a metal container and take them to a household waste recycling centre.

Gas canisters

Gas canisters, including camping gas, must not go in any bin due to the risk of explosion. Return them to the supplier. Other examples of gas canisters include helium canisters, CO₂ cylinders (used for carbonating drinks) and butane gas canisters.

Aerosol‑style gas canisters (lighter refills or small butane cartridges) can be taken to household waste recycling centres.

Vapes and e-cigarettes

Return vapes to shops or take them to a household waste recycling centre.

Do not put them in any bin. They contain hidden lithium‑ion batteries and hazardous chemicals that can cause fires and pollute soil or water.

Paint

If you cannot use it or donate it, take leftover paint to a household waste recycling centre.

Hazardous aerosols

Hazardous aerosols, like paint sprays, often contain leftover liquids or gases. Even small amounts left inside can cause fires, explosions, and chemical contamination.

Take them to a household waste recycling centre.

Safe aerosols

Safe aerosols like hairspray, deodorant and spray polish can go in your silver recycling bin but only if they are completely empty and not damaged. If they are not empty or damaged, they must be taken to a household waste recycling centre

Do not pierce, crush or flatten aerosol cans.

Engine oil

Engine oil is flammable and dangerous if put in any household bin.
Place it in a sealed container and take it to a household waste recycling centre.

Weed killer

Take leftover weed killer to a household waste recycling centre and speak to a member of staff. They have a dedicated chemicals container.

Asbestos

Asbestos is harmful because its fibres can cause serious health problems if released into the air.

Small quantities of bonded asbestos can be taken to the dedicated skips at Pyms Lane (Crewe) and Danes Moss (Macclesfield). More information on disposing of bonded asbestos.