Batteries: Household

Currently, only 4% of household (non-lead acid) batteries are recycled in the UK each year.

This means that from approximately 25,000 tonnes of waste household and industrial batteries generated in the UK each year, just 1,000 tonnes is recycled.

Thankfully, it is possible to recycle household batteries at all of the permanant Household Waste Recycling Sites in West Sussex. Special dedicated containers are provided on site.  Click to locate your nearest site.

Laptops, Walkmans, toys, mobile phones, calculators - these are just some of the everyday items that need batteries to function. All batteries utilise one or more toxic heavy metals, such as nickel cadmium, mercury, nickel metal hydride and lead acid, and it is these materials that can harm the environment if not properly disposed of. As batteries corrode they disgorge their toxic chemical components into the soil, which can ultimately poison surrounding land and watercourses.

The UK is in the process of implementing the requirements of the European Battery Directive. This requires manufacturers and importers of batteries to fund collections and recycling for waste batteries.

Regulations for producers placing new batteries onto the market were introduced in September 2008 while regulations for the collection, transport and recycling of waste batteries are now scheduled to formally come into effect on January 1, 2010. 

Alternatively, you can use rechargeable batteries or buy solar powered (or clockwork) equipment. See the following web sites for more information: www.cat.org.uk or http://www.freeenergynews.com/Directory/Battery/index.html

Return hearing aid batteries to hospitals.

For more information visit: www.rebat.com  Rebat is an initiative managed by the British Battery Manufacturers Association to encourage collection of nickel cadmium batteries in the UK (used in power tools & portable mobile radios).