Battery recycling has become very topical recently, as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations are imposing higher targets for recycling. Targets will rise from 40-45% to 70-75%, (at the moment the current figure for recycling batteries in the UK is said to be less than 10%!)
In the UK apparently over 20,000 tonnes of batteries are thrown away each year, and they go straight into landfill.
E cig’s use lithium batteries that contain strong acids that can damage the skin and eyes, they can also increase the heavy metal content in the soil and water so it is vital you dispose of them properly.
So where can you take them to?
Most supermarkets and shops that sell batteries now have collection bins for used batteries. Some town halls, libraries or schools have set up collection points, look out for the Be Positive signs. If you can’t see where to recycle the batteries, ask the supermarket person that normally greets you as you come into the store.
Some local councils (unfortunately not mine!) already collect batteries with the doorstep recycling collection, or provide bins at the local waste and recycling centre. Check with your local council to find out what battery recycling choices are available in your area.
If batteries are thrown into your normal rubbish bin, they are likely to end up in landfill. Once buried, the batteries start to break down and can leak some of these chemicals into the ground. This can cause soil and water pollution, which may be a health risk for both humans and animals.
Recycling stops batteries going to landfill and helps recover thousands of tonnes of metals, including valuable metals like nickel, cobalt and silver. This reduces the need to mine new materials, cutting CO2 emissions and saving resources.
So now you know!
Are there any battery recycling facilities near you? Do you recycle your e-cig batteries? Leave a comment and let us know…
I take mine to my local Superdrug store.. they have a battery bin!
failing that the shopping centre does too.
Very important that people recycle them as the effect on the landfill wildlife (yes there is a lot of wildlife that life on landfill sites) is devestating.
Thanks for the great info
Thanks for the post Theresa!
TW : )
Really good article. I’ll be honest, I thought those bins in shops only took the ‘normal batteries’ ie NiMH and the like so it’s nice to have some clarity there. Thanks
Glad we could help – and I hope you recycle your batteries now!
Tw Team