Can You Put Batteries in the Bin?

Batteries are notoriously tricky to dispose of because many people are not really sure what to do with them when they reach the end of their lifespan. In many cases, they end up forgotten in one of the drawers or a box somewhere in the garage. Although, apart from creating unnecessary clutter, they pose no risk to you or your home, it's worth remembering that batteries contain valuable raw materials that can be recycled and reused. So what can you do with used batteries?

Can You Throw Batteries in the Bin?

No, you should never put batteries into your household bin with general waste. Batteries contain many materials that are not only valuable and reusable but also harmful if they are not disposed of and processed properly, such as lead, mercury, lithium and many more. For this reason, waste batteries are considered hazardous, and it's crucial to keep them out of landfills where they can release harmful toxins into the ground and water.

But apart from the environmental risks related to pollution, putting old batteries in your general waste bin can create a fire risk as well. Even used batteries can cause a fire, e.g., when they are damaged or come into contact with water, which can easily happen in the bin, during transport or at landfills. Recycling batteries is an easy step you can take to prevent this from happening and conserve natural resources at the same time.

What Types of Batteries Are There?

In this day and age, we use battery-operated items every single day, from household batteries such as button cells and standard AAA or AA batteries used in many gadgets and electronic devices to batteries for mobile phones, power tools, laptops, and even cars. When buying new batteries, most people focus on their size and use, but when it comes to sorting batteries before the recycling process, their type becomes the most important thing as it indicates the raw materials that can be recovered.

Examples of common battery types:

• Lithium batteries: This type is extremely popular because it can last longer than other single-use batteries. They contain: lithium, cobalt, nickel.
• Alkaline batteries: They are among the most commonly used batteries due to their availability and low cost. However, their lifespan is quite short. They contain, among others, steel and zinc.
• Lithium-ion batteries: These are used in mobile phones, electric cars, laptops and other devices, which makes them the most commonly used batteries in the world today. They are rechargeable and can be charged repeatedly without losing their properties for years. They contain: lithium, cobalt, nickel.
• Nickel-cadmium batteries: Valued primarily for the fact that they deliver the same amount of energy right until the end of their lifespan without signs of performance degradation, e.g., dimmed light. While rechargeable, they are not exactly eco-friendly as they contain toxic metals, such as nickel and cadmium.

How Can You Safely and Responsibly Dispose of Batteries?

Now that you know that it's not a good idea to mix batteries with household waste, it's time to take a look at the best ways to dispose of batteries in a safe and environmentally friendly way.

Use Local Battery Disposal Points

Many retail outlets and institutions offer battery recycling bins that customers and local residents can use freely. Simply take your old batteries with you next time you go grocery shopping, and rest assured that they will be properly processed and recycled. Keep in mind that only batteries and not the devices they are part of can be placed in the battery recycling bins.

Take Your Old Batteries to Your Local Recycling Centre

Sometimes local authorities offer battery waste collection from households, but the rules and availability may differ depending on your location, so it's always best to make enquiries first. If this option is not available, you can take your batteries to your local recycling centre yourself.

Go Green and Switch to Rechargeable Batteries

Recycling batteries is, without a doubt, the most environmentally friendly way of battery disposal, but how about simply not throwing them away? Rechargeable batteries are a simple yet brilliant solution to reduce the number of batteries you use and save money in the process! Of course, at some point, such batteries will have to be replaced as well, but in general, you'll be able to use them for many years before putting them in the recycling bin.

Add a Battery Recycling Bin to Your Recycling Station!

Whether you already have a recycling station at home or in your office space or you're thinking about getting one, adding a separate container for batteries is a great way to encourage your family or employees to segregate and recycle batteries. At Alda, we offer a wide selection of waste and recycling bins, and we can deliver suitable labels for all types of recyclable materials.