BatteriesThe UK generates 20,000-30,000 tonnes of wasted general-purpose batteries every year, but less than 1,000 tonnes are recycled. The energy needed to manufacture a battery is on average 50 times greater than the energy it gives out. See also "Car Batteries" for information.

Laptops, Walkmans, toys, cell phones, calculators - these are just some of the everyday items that need batteries to function. All batteries utilise one or more toxic heavy metals, such as nickel cadmium, alkaline, mercury, nickel metal hydride and lead acid, and it is these materials that can harm the environment if not properly disposed of. As batteries corrode they disgorge their toxic chemical components into the soil, which can ultimately poison surrounding land and watercourses.

Thankfully, it is now possible to recycle Household (non-lead acid) batteries, including batteries from toys, electrical appliances, phones, calculator's etc which might contain the following: Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium, Lithium Ion, Silver Oxide, Zinc Carbon and Mercury Oxide

The Recycling Batteries website www.rebat.com is an initiative managed by the British Battery Manufacturers Association to encourage collection of nickel cadmium batteries in the UK (used in power tools & portable mobile radios). The site lists addresses of collection companies.
Silver Lining Industries Ltd offers a recycling route for all types of batteries. Tel: (01133) 854321 Email: admin@silverlining.co.uk Website: www.silverlining.co.uk
Wastecare also offers a recycling route for all types of batteries. Tel: (01133) 854 321 Website: www.wastecare.co.uk

Refer to the following links for more battery recycling information:
http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/Batteries.htm#1
http://www.eurobatteries.com/sitepages/recycling.asp

Alternatively, you can now get CD or cassette tape walkmans, radios, torches and toothbrushes etc, which use rechargeable batteries. Otherwise, buy solar powered (or clockwork) equipment. See the following web sites for more information: www.cat.org.uk or http://www.freeenergynews.com/Directory/Battery/index.html

Rechargeable batteries can be sent for recycling to: VARTA, FREEPOST 154 Staines, Middlesex. or Ever Ready Recycling, FREEPOST LOL 2311 Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 4YY.
Bakersfield Environmental Services will take rechargeable batteries to recycle. Tel: (01425) 462 522 Website: www.bakersfield.co.uk

Return hearing aid batteries to hospitals

Car batteries (lead acid) are currently accepted at all 12 permenant Household Waste Recycling Sites, where special double bonded containers are provided for the reception of them.
Please place all car batteries in the containers provided or ask a member of staff if you require assistance. Only household car batteries will be accepted.