Batteries and rechargeable devices: where to recycle them
Keep loose batteries and battery-powered products out of ordinary waste, and know when to ask for a specialist route.
Why the collection route matters
Batteries can be damaged during waste collection and processing. Lithium-ion batteries can start fires when crushed or otherwise damaged, including when hidden inside a discarded device. A product being small does not make it suitable for the normal bin.
Keep battery-powered devices visible in your clearance list. Tell a collector about power-tool batteries, vapes, e-bike batteries and similar items instead of packing them into an unlabelled mixed bag.
Ordinary portable batteries
Many shops that sell batteries provide collection points for common portable batteries. Check what a particular point accepts: a box for ordinary household batteries is not permission to deposit every size, chemistry or damaged battery.
Follow the collection scheme’s instructions. If the battery is built into a product and you cannot remove it safely, ask about recycling the complete electrical item.
E-bike, e-scooter or damaged batteries
Contact the manufacturer, retailer or your council’s recycling service for a suitable route. London Fire Brigade advises checking acceptance for e-bike and e-scooter batteries rather than using regular rubbish or recycling bins.
Do not puncture, crush, open or try to repair a battery to prepare it for disposal. If it is damaged or swollen, explain that before taking it anywhere; get handling advice from the receiving service.
Before handing it over
- Identify the battery or device and its condition.
- Confirm the exact collection point accepts it.
- Follow that service’s transport and packaging instructions.
- Keep it out of a mixed-clearance pile while arrangements are made.
For other devices, see electrical recycling and take-back.
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