Did you know?
Batteries contain materials and metals like cadmium, lead and sulphuric acid that pose environmental and health risks when disposed of incorrectly. If batteries are crushed, bent or damaged in any way, they can spark fires causing significant damage.
Lithium-ion batteries in particular have been identified as the culprit in several fires involving electricals, as households often neglect to remove batteries from devices such as TV remotes or toys before disposal.
Reduce
Try to avoid the use of batteries by using mains electricity where possible, or plug your electrical items into the mains to avoid needing to buy batteries.
Reuse
Why not buy rechargeable batteries and a charger so you can use the batteries again and again.
Recycle
But if you do have batteries that you need to dispose of, then you should recycle them responsibly. Used batteries can be recycled in so many places these days. You should not place your batteries in your household recycling or bin as this will increase the risk of fires in waste collection vehicles and at our two waste facilities in Smugglers Way, SW18 and Cringle Street, SW11.
Where can I drop them off?
• Most supermarkets, DIY stores, electrical shops and public buildings have a box to collect batteries for recycling
• If you have booked in to visit the Smugglers Way Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC), we have a separate container for Batteries there (in Recycling Bay A)
• You could also check your local Council website for further advice on a drop off point near you – Wandsworth, Lambeth, Hammersmith & Fulham or Kensington and Chelsea.
It can be difficult to remove the battery from some electrical items i.e. an electric toothbrush. If that’s the case, then always recycle your electrical item separately, at your nearest electrical recycling point i.e. the Smugglers Way HWRC, or check your Council website for a drop off point near you.
Batteries from electric scooters and bikes: Please note we do not accept lithium ion batteries used for electric scooters and bikes, on health and safety grounds. Please contact the manufacturer, or the store in which you purchased the battery from in the first place, as they have responsibility to take these batteries from you and to recycle them safely and responsibly.