Putting batteries in your bin can cause fires
Batteries contain heavy metals including lead, mercury, zinc and lithium – all of which can be recycled and used to make new batteries and other products.
However, when they aren’t disposed of correctly, batteries can cause fires which are hard to extinguish. If batteries, or electricals containing batteries, are not properly separated they can end up being crushed in the waste and recycling process. This increases the chances that they will be punctured and self-combust, setting fire to the surrounding dry and flammable waste and recycling.
Due to these risks, batteries and electricals should never be put in household waste or recycling bins. Read below for how they can be recycled and don’t forget ‘hidden batteries’ that are inside small electrical items such as disposable e-cigarettes, toothbrushes, shavers, chargers and toys.
You can recycle household batteries, using our weekly collection service.
You just need to put your old household batteries in a clear plastic bag - like a sandwich bag.
Then put them on top of your blue lid recycling bin on your normal collection day.
The following batteries can be recycled:
- AA and AAA batteries (commonly used in TV remote controls, cameras)
- 6V and 9V batteries
- C and D batteries
- Laptop batteries
- Mobile phone and MP3 player batteries
- Button batteries
- Hearing aid batteries
No car or industrial batteries please.
Battery recycling laws mean that most shops and supermarkets that sell batteries have collection bins in-store for used batteries. They may also accept old electrical items.
Find your nearest battery or electrical recycling point
You can also recycle them, along with car or industrial batteries should be taken to the Household Recycling Centre in Oldbury.