Don’t bin your dead batteries
Batteries can’t go in your regular recycling or household rubbish bin, as they can be a fire hazard if they are crushed or damaged.
When you throw batteries away, they end up in landfill, where they leach toxic materials into waterways and ecosystems.
B-cycle safely instead, with these tips.
Tape your terminals
If battery terminals touch, they can spark and create a fire hazard. To prevent this, tape the terminals of used batteries for storage and drop off. Use non-conductive tape, like duct tape, clear sticky tape or electrical 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. Ensure button batteries are taped with clear tape on both sides.
Regular batteries
Button batteries
Ensure button batteries are taped with clear tape on both sides.
9-volt
batteries
Rechargeable batteries
Removable
batteries
Store safely
Tape the terminals of used batteries to prevent sparking that creates a fire hazard. Make sure to use regular, non-conductive tape, like duct tape, clear sticky tape or electrical tape.
Store used batteries in a clearly labeled 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
Don’t store batteries longer than 6 months. Make sure to drop off regularly
Prepare your batteries for safe B‑cycle drop off by putting them in a glass container and keep out of reach of children
Don’t B‑cycle severely leaking or damaged batteries. Place in a fireproof container and contact a B‑cycle collector for advice
