Never bin your batteries
When used batteries get tossed in general waste or recycling bins they create a fire hazard and can end up in landfill where they can leak toxic materials into waterways and ecosystems.
Tape your terminals
If battery terminals touch, they can spark and catch fire. To prevent this, tape the terminals of used batteries. Always use clear sticky tape.
Different batteries have terminals in different places. Regular batteries like AA have terminals at both ends, while others, like 9-volt batteries, have two terminals at the same end. Button battery terminals are on the base and should be covered in clear tape on all sides.
Regular batteries
Ensure batteries are taped with clear tape on both sides.
9-volt
Completely cover all exposed metal
Rechargeable
Ensure metal parts are covered
Power tool
Cover all exposed metal parts
Button
Completely enclose all the metal
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Store safely
Tape the terminals of used batteries to prevent them sparking and catching fire. Always use clear sticky tape.
Store used batteries in a glass container. Make sure the container is not airtight as pressure can build up.
Don’t store batteries in a metal container, or with metal objects, as they can spark and create a fire hazard.
Keep batteries in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources like stoves.
Keep batteries away from children, especially small batteries that can be swallowed, like button batteries.
Drop off safely
Cover the metal terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape to reduce the risk of fires and, for button batteries, lower the risk of ingestion and injury.
Carefully collect your taped, used batteries and transport them to a B-cycle accredited Drop off point in a fire-resistant container, like a glass jar, for safe disposal.
Place leaking batteries in a ziplock bag and take to a B-cycle Drop off point. Place damaged batteries in a fireproof container or blanket and take to a council depot or transfer station.
