Most batteries are thrown away in household rubbish bins, which means they are collected at kerbside and dumped at landfill sites. There are many different types of batteries, all of which contain dangerous chemicals, including lead, cadmium, zinc, lithium and even mercury.

If we fail to correctly dispose of our waste batteries, the metal within them takes over 100 years to perish and breakdown and the chemicals contained within the batteries will never breakdown and are extremely toxic to the environment. They leak into the ground, which can cause soil and water pollution, damaging our ecosystems and wildlife

Recycling any type of used battery is a great way to help protect the environment. Each battery placed in a recycling bin will be safely taken apart and the materials will be used to make something new.

If you have lithium (identified by an “Li” in any part of the chemical marking) or button cell batteries to dispose of, the terminals should be taped up to help prevent them shorting and being a fire risk.

Taking used batteries to recycling points has never been easier. Since producer responsibility legislation for waste batteries came into force in February 2010, most shops and supermarkets now have in-store collection points, along with schools, libraries, garden centres and tourist attractions. All you must do is remember to take them with you and look out for designated bins or containers specifically labelled for battery recycling.

Alternatively, you can find all local battery recycling facilities by using our recycling locator tool. Here they will have designated areas for battery recycling.

Used batteries can be recycled by placing them into collection containers that can be found at many retail outlets and other public buildings across the UK.

There are different ways of recycling batteries; however, the aim is always the same – to recover the raw material used to make the battery, so that it can be used again to make something new.