Are batteries hazardous waste?
Batteries definitely fall under the category of hazardous waste. In February 2010, the UK Environment Agency created battery waste regulations. These regulations ensured that battery waste was disposed of safely and securely.
Following these legislations many small businesses who sell batteries were given in-store battery disposal collection bins. Individuals were able deposit small quantities of waste batteries. These batteries could then be picked up by local authority recycling collectors and taken to hazardous waste recycling facilities.
These laws are enforced across the UK. Despite the success of these disposal facilities, there is still a long way to go in recycling batteries. In 2018, around 40,000 tonnes of batteries were purchased, and only 18,000 were recycled.
When it comes to businesses, the ease of disposing large amounts of batteries from power tools, electronics, and automobiles is limited. The small bins cannot take the large loads of batteries these businesses produce. Collect and Recycle helps solve this issue, offering efficient and safe battery collection for businesses.
Battery Recycling
There are a variety of different battery types, all of which are able to be recycled. Rechargeable batteries can be recycled, however their purpose is to be used repeatedly within your home or business.
The majority of batteries sold in the UK, however, are non-reusable. These need to be recycled safely and securely as the chemicals within them are harmful to the environment.
The chemicals contained in batteries are hugely damaging to human and environmental health. This is why there are strict legislations in place to ensure correct collection and recycling of them. Collect and Recycle strictly follow these legislations, ensuring the safety of our clients, our staff, and the environment.
Recycling your battery waste helps prevent batteries from being sent to the landfill. When recyclable waste, including batteries, is sent to landfill sites, it has damaging effects on the environment. The chemicals stored within the batteries can leak out into the landfill, contributing to water and air pollution.
The chemical in AA batteries is zinc. Lithium-ion is used to create laptop and computer batteries. Power tools use nickel cadmium, and lead acid batteries can be found in cars.
Hazardous waste companies must ensure that batteries are stored and collected inline with environmental guidelines. This makes it easier to process the chemicals when they arrive at the recycling centre. Collect and Recycle can offer a bespoke service tailored around your business requirements.
Collect and Recycle also offers storage for your hazardous waste. Collect and Recycle’s storage containers are labelled, waterproof, and secure. This ensures that no hazardous chemicals from inside these batteries can leak out and contaminate your business site.
We also promise to keep detailed logs of our battery collection and provide your business with all paperwork required . We keep a full audit for three years, with a fully compliant waste disposal log.
Collect and Recycle can offer a battery waste collection service for most companies through the UK. Our ADR drivers will travel to your business or waste storage location. They will safely and efficiently dispose of your battery waste in our authorised treatment facilities.
Collect and Recycle is the ideal company for all your battery recycling needs. We will dispose of your batteries safely and securely, in line with UK guidelines. Contact us for more information or a quote, on our website or via phone: 0845 366 9306.
