The common household item you should never put in the bin – £5k fine

Brits are being warned they could face a hefty £5,000 fine for disposing of a common household item the wrong way, and many people are doing it without even realising. If you’re planning a clear-out and are thinking of chucking your old television in the bin, think again.

TVs fall under strict environmental rules due to the toxic materials they contain. Throwing one out with your usual rubbish isn’t just careless, it’s illegal under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013.

Ian Cowley, recycling expert at Cartridge Save, issued the stark warning: “Many people don’t realise that televisions contain harmful substances like mercury and lead.

“If these leak into soil or water, it can cause serious environmental damage. That’s why TVs must be recycled properly at authorised centres.”

According to Cowley, failing to follow these rules could land you with a fine of up to £5,000 if you’re caught.

The problem is, many households don’t know the proper steps. Local councils across the UK offer dedicated recycling centres or bulky waste collection services that are specifically designed to handle electronics.

Some of these services are free, while others charge a small fee, depending on your location.

Before rushing to dispose of a TV, Cowley recommends checking whether it’s really broken.

“Start by confirming that it’s plugged in correctly and test other power sockets. Also inspect the wires, remote and screen for damage, the issue might be minor and easy to fix.”

If your TV is still in working order, you don’t have to throw it away. “Donating or selling an old TV gives it a second life, keeps it out of landfill and benefits someone else,” says Cowley. “It’s one of the best things you can do for the environment.”

Whether it’s broken or not, make sure you’re not putting your television in the bin. Doing so could not only harm the planet but cost you thousands.