Never put batteries of any kind in household bins. They are a potential fire hazard.
Batteries contain rare materials such as lithium and cobalt, so we should recycle them if we can.
Household batteries
Whenever possible, use rechargeable batteries or use mains electricity to power electrical equipment.
Recycling centres have special containers for batteries used to power devices such as television remotes, children’s games, torches, cameras, mobile phones, watches and hearing aids. Batteries from model aeroplanes or domestic lawn mowers are also accepted.
Many shops and supermarkets also accept used batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries (found in laptops and tablets)
If possible remove the battery from the unwanted device and place it in the battery container at a recycling centre.
Batteries from electric mobility scooters or bikes
These are not accepted at recycling centres as they are from modes of transport and are not classed as household waste.
Batteries from a child’s electric scooter are accepted as they are classed as toys and thus household waste