Don’t bin batteries, recycle them safely!

Batteries and rechargeable devices containing non-removable or hidden batteries should never go in your household waste or recycling bins.  This includes items such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones, children’s toys, vapes, electric toothbrushes, smoke alarms, smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers and anything that can be charged via a cable.

Whether it’s general waste or recycling, putting them in the wrong place can be dangerous.

When batteries are crushed or punctured in bin lorries or recycling centres, they can release harmful chemicals. These chemicals can ignite fires that are:

• Explosive
• Fast-spreading
• Toxic
• Difficult to extinguish

Battery fires put firefighters, local residents, schools and businesses at serious risk. They also pollute the air and can cause devastating health problems.

Over 1,200 battery-related fires occurred in UK waste facilities and vehicles last year alone. The estimated cost of dealing with these fires is over £1 billion.

What you can do

Always recycle batteries and electricals containing batteries separately to other types of waste. It’s quick, easy, and helps to protect you and your community.

🔍 Find your nearest battery recycling point at: https://www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/

👉 Read more about this topic at: https://www.lesswaste.org.uk /never-bin-batteries-or-rechargeable-devices/