Batteries

Avoid using batteries; use mains wherever possible, unless there are safety issues. The energy needed to make batteries is 50 times greater than the energy they give out.
Use rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries and a battery charger.
Take used batteries to a recycling centre that has segregated collection boxes. Local council civic amenity sites may have disposal facilities, although these are usually for household use. If not, ring your local council's Recycling Officer and ask for advice.

Send batteries back to manufacturers, where such a scheme is available, or endeavour to set up a scheme with your local supplier.

REBAT gives names of recycling and collection companies.
Lead acid batteries are classified as Hazardous waste (England & Wales) and Special waste (Scotland).

Ask the supplier to remove them when delivering new batteries (a consignment note will be needed if there are more than 5 batteries). Alternatively arrange collection by a licensed scrap merchant who will recover the lead plates and casing.
Current Government guidance states that Ni-Cd batteries containing greater than or equal to 1% potassium hydroxide by weight (they usually contain 8%) are classified as Hazardous/Special waste and must be disposed of suitably. Information relating to Ni-Cd recycling can be obtained from REBAT
Mercury dry cells containing greater than or equal to 0.1% of inorganic mercury compounds by weight, must also be disposed of as Hazardous/Special waste.
Recent advice from the regulator indicates it is acceptable to dispose of small numbers of batteries via the general waste route – this may change in the near future.

Waste Online has further information on batteries.

See Current legislation

See Future legislation

In this section…

Batteries

Connect

Stay Informed