Don’t bin your batteries

We use a lot of batteries in Essex. Whether it is loose batteries in items like remote controls and kids' toys or hidden batteries in items like electric toothbrushes and shavers. That’s why it’s so important for us to understand how and why we should recycle them. 

That’s why we have launched our campaign video, don’t bin your batteries. This has been created by Love Essex in partnership with Essex Fire and Rescue Service and with the support from the national Recycle Your Electricals campaign. 

Alongside the video, ‘don’t bin your batteries’ signs have been attached to Essex County Council waste vehicles, and large stickers placed on the containers at recycling centres.  

A social media campaign is also running on the Love Essex Facebook and Instagram, showing real footage of battery fires at waste sites and in collection vehicles in Essex. 

Why you shouldn’t bin your batteries 

There are many reasons why we should recycle our batteries at recycling centres, libraries, or supermarkets - and never at home. 

Batteries can be recycled 

Up to 90% of the contents of a battery can be recycled and used again. Within every battery are valuable materials like lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc which can be recovered and used again. 

By recycling your batteries, you are keeping these materials in circulation which reduces the need to mine for new materials. These materials can then be used to make products such as car batteries, stainless steel, and even some fertilisers. 

Batteries cause fires 

When batteries and hidden battery electrical items are thrown away in the general rubbish bin, they can cause fires. 

Batteries risk being crushed or punctured in waste vehicles and at recycling centres, which can start a chemical reaction. This causes the battery temperature to rise until the battery begins to smoke, catch fire or explode. This can happen even when a battery is seen as ‘dead’, as the chemicals inside the battery can still react when crushed.   

They can erupt suddenly, generate enormous heat and potentially reignite even when they seem to be out. In a waste or recycling setting, where lots of materials are tightly packed together, the fire can spread quickly. 

Research found that there were over 1,200 battery-related fires at waste sites and in collection vehicles in the UK in 2024.  

Not only is binning batteries a fire risk, but it can also lead to significant service disruption, costly repairs to damaged vehicles and equipment, and is harmful to the environment. 

Recycling batteries is easy 

There are many places in Essex where you can recycle both loose household batteries and hidden battery items. 

Loose batteries can be recycled at all Essex County Council recycling centres, as well as at most libraries and supermarkets. 

Hidden battery items can be recycled at all Essex County Council recycling centres, some libraries and many retailers offer take-back schemes so you can easily drop them off. 

Visit Recycle Your Electricals to find your nearest recycling point. 

Whatever reason you choose to recycle your batteries, remember...don’t bin your batteries!