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ENGLISH I 17
RECYCLING BATTERIES
Many old batteries end up in landfill, where they can leak harmful chemicals into the soil. You can help tackle this problem by
recycling your batteries.
Most supermarkets and shops that sell batteries now have collection bins for used batteries. Some town halls, libraries or
schools may also set up collection points. Look out for the Be Positive signs, or similar signs, in shop windows and in stores
to find these collection points. Several local councils already collect batteries in the doorstep recycling collection, or provide
bins at the local waste and recycling center. Check with your local council to find out what battery recycling choices are
available in your area.
For more details about battery recycling, and the new laws, visit the website of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs (Defra).
Why Recycle Household Batteries?
Some household batteries contain chemicals like lead, mercury or cadmium. 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 humans. Recycling stops batteries
going to landfill and helps recover thousands of tons of metals, including valuable metals like nickel, cobalt and silver. This
reduces the need to mine new materials, cutting CO2 emissions and saving resources.
What happens to the used batteries?
Recycled batteries are first sorted into different types – for example lithium, alkaline, lead cell, mercury button – as each
type is recycled differently. Lead acid batteries (used for car batteries) and mercury button cell batteries (flat, round, silver
batteries found in watches) are fully recycled in the UK. Lithium and alkaline batteries (AA, AAA and 9v batteries) are
part-recycled in the UK. They are then sent to plants abroad for the rest of the process. Other types of battery are sent
abroad, as the UK does not currently have plants that can recycle these.
DISPOSAL OF USED BATTERIES: Battery may contain hazardous substances which could be endangering
to environment and human health. This symbol marked on the battery and/or packaging indicates that used
battery shall not be treated as municipal waste. Instead it shall be left at the appropriate collection point
for recycling.
By ensuring the used batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences
for environment and human health. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources.
For more information about collection and reclying of used batteries, please contact your local
municipality, your waste disposal service or the point of sale where you purchased this product.
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