'It could save lives' - senior councillor welcomes new knife bin in Wolverhampton suburb
A new knife-surrender bin could save lives, says a senior councillor who campaigned for it to be installed
The new bin has been installed in Coalway Road, in the Merry Hill area of Wolverhampton, just weeks before Ronan's law is due to come into effect.
The bin has been installed by Wolverhampton Council, with the approval of police and crime commissioner Simon Foster, following a campaign by Councillor Wendy Dalton.
Councillor Dalton said the bin was much-needed.
"I’ve been asking for this knife bin for some time because residents want to see real steps taken to tackle knife crime," she said.
"It gives people a safe and anonymous way to dispose of knives, and that could prevent violence and save lives."
Ronan’s Law, in memory of 16-year-old Wolverhampton schoolboy Ronan Khanda who was stabbed to death in 2022 in a case of mistaken identity, comes into force on 1 August 2025.
Ronan's mother Pooja, who has become a vocal campaigner against knife crime, has welcomed the opening of the bin.
Ronan was killed by a sword that had been illegally purchased online, and his death sparked a national outcry and led to tighter laws on the sale and possession of weapons.
Under Ronan’s Law, the sale of swords and certain large knives online will be banned, and stricter penalties will apply to those who carry or sell dangerous weapons. The knife bin in Coalway Road will offer people a safe, responsible option to surrender blades as awareness of the new legislation grows.
Councillor Dalton added: "Ronan’s death was heartbreaking and deeply felt across Wolverhampton. As we prepare for the introduction of Ronan’s Law, it’s more important than ever that we take practical steps to make our streets safer. This bin is one of them."
The knife bin is now in place and ready for public use. It is part of a wider regional network of surrender bins that have successfully helped remove thousands of dangerous weapons from the streets across the West Midlands.
