'The crew was lucky today as it was only their quick reflexes that saved them from potentially serious injuries.'
CCTV footage has shown the moment a binman was almost hit by an exploding gas cannister.
Homeowners have since urged to dispose of rubbish correctly following the incident in Slough, Berkshire, this week.
CCTV footage shows two men clearing bins in a close on May 14, when a cannister flies through the air – forcing one to duck out of the way.
Councillor Gurcharan Singh Manku, of Slough Borough Council, said: ‘Gas cannisters of any sort should never be placed in a domestic bin and can be disposed of for free at our recycling centre.
‘The crew was lucky today as it was only their quick reflexes that saved them from potentially serious injuries.
‘I would hate to think of what would have happened if they had not reacted so quickly or if there had been a child or even a local resident nearby who ended up being struck.
‘Putting the wrong things in bins is not only unnecessary but dangerous, not just for our crews but for your friends and neighbours.
‘This incident shows just how dangerous it is so I would plead with everyone to think of others’ welfare and only put things in their bins that should be in there.’
Earlier this year, footage showed a similarly close moment when an out of control blade spun at high speed across a car park.
Shane Reimche had gone to the Quick Trip Market in Oregon on Thursday and had barely got into the shop when the metal disc catapulted straight into the door.
‘Last minute I was able to duck behind the counter,’ he said.
Shane said he was petrified by the whole ordeal, adding: ‘I had tears all night. It was petrifying. I was shaking in the store.
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