Where can I recycle batteries?
Household batteries should never go in your normal recycling bin or general waste.
They can cause fires when crushed or damaged and must only be recycled through dedicated battery collections.
The only time batteries can go in a kerbside bin is if your local authority provides a specific battery recycling service. This is usually a small box or bag, kept separate from other recycling. If your council does not offer this, batteries must be taken elsewhere.
However, if taken to the right place they can be recycled.
Supermarkets and electrical retailers
For most people, shops are the easiest and most reliable option. Many supermarkets and retailers accept household batteries free of charge, usually via collection tubes near the entrance.
Common locations include:
• Tesco
• Sainsbury’s
• Aldi
• Lidl
• Currys
These points are for small household batteries only, such as AA, AAA, button cells and rechargeable batteries from everyday devices. You can find your local point on the Recycle Now website.
Household waste recycling centres (otherwise known as the tip)
Local recycling centres accept a wide range of batteries, including larger items such as power tool batteries and some lithium battery packs. Batteries should be handed to staff or placed in the correct container, not left loose in skips.