Take-back Trial Q&A

Recycling batteries helps the environment by reducing the amount of waste going to landfill sites. Currently, the UK collects less than 2% of waste household batteries. The EU Batteries Directive requires the collection of 25% of household batteries by 2012 and 45% by 2016. By encouraging local residents to take part in the drop-off battery recycling trials we hope to work out the best way to meet these targets. The Batteries Directive will place a financial responsibility for the cost of collection/ recycling of batteries on companies who are placing batteries on the market which includes retailers.

All household battery types can be recycled, including both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. Participating stores will be collecting single cell batteries such as AA and AAA button batteries and sizes C and D. Larger batteries such as any laptop and battery packs from electrical equipment are also being collected by participating B&Q, Currys, Currys.digital and PC World stores.

It doesn’t matter if the batteries are full, completely discharged or only partly used. Unfortunately we are not able to accept car or other vehicle batteries, so please take these to the nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Handling used household batteries is safe. However it is advisable to wash your hands afterwards. If you’d prefer not to handle your used batteries then why not use one of our collection bags/boxes?

Only stores taking part in this trial will be able to accept your batteries. Information on which retailers are taking part is found on this webpage or call 08453 313131. No funding is available at the moment to roll out the trials nationally. However, these trials will identify the most cost effective way of collecting batteries.

In some areas, Household Waste Recycling Centres will accept household batteries are there are some areas in the UK where batteries are collected at the kerbside. For further information, visit www.recyclenow.com