THESE are some of the razor-sharp blades that thoughtless householders have put out with their rubbish.

Council chiefs in the New Forest have issued an alert to residents after two refuse collectors suffered cuts to their hands.

The binmen were injured by carving knives placed in pink sacks containing domestic waste.

Warning Colin Read, the district council's assistant director of commercial services said: "I've been in touch with the householders and given them a warning.

"This sort of recklessness can pose a considerable danger to people who are doing an extremely important job for the community.

"People who want to dispose of knives should take them to correct disposal places such as household waste amenity sites."

As reported in the Daily Echo, previous victims include binman Nathan Long, who was badly injured in 2001. He had been working for the council for only four days when he picked up a refuse sack containing a sharp object that sliced through the tendons of his left hand.

Mr Long needed a two-hour operation and was warned that he would not be able to work for two months.

Mr Read added: "The two collectors involved in the latest incidents were not seriously hurt but we've had instances where staff have had to take time off work."

"Even though they wear gloves and heavily reinforced trousers, the hidden perils lurking in waste sacks continue to inflict injuries."

Another major hazard is the sharp wire mesh found on disposable barbecues, many of which will be used regularly during the next few months.

"People using this type of barbecue must make sure it's wrapped very thoroughly before it's put into a refuse sacks," added Mr Read.

The council is also urging people to take extra care when disposing of articles such as broken bottles and smashed crockery.