Battery Waste Statistics 2024
Key Takeaways
- When batteries are recycled properly, up to 95% of their components can be used to make new batteries or other materials.
- Around 20,000 batteries end up in landfill sites across the UK every year.
- Over one year in the UK, approximately 17,386 tonnes of portable batteries were collected for recycling.
Battery waste has a major impact on our environment, along with risks to human health. From fires to pollution at landfill, batteries disposed of wrongly can have various impacts on our planet.
Along with the growing demand for renewable energy, we are seeing a rise in electric vehicle and solar panel usage. With these products, the number of lithium ion batteries are increasing globally.
In this article, we are going to discuss a few eye-opening battery waste statistics for 2024, and how businesses can improve recycling rates.
4 Battery Waste Statistics for 2024
Upto 95% of battery components can be recycled
When batteries are recycled properly, up to 95% of their components can be used to make new batteries or other materials. This highlights the importance of a strong recycling rate to reduce waste and preserve resources.
Around 20,000 batteries end up in landfill sites across the UK every year
Around 20,000 batteries are disposed of in landfill sites across the UK every year. Improper disposal can lead to harmful chemicals leaching into the soil and water, impacting the environment and human health.
Over one year in the UK, approximately 17,386 tonnes of portable batteries were collected for recycling
Over one year in the UK, approximately 17,386 tonnes of portable batteries were collected for recycling. This statistic excludes automotive and industrial batteries. Portable batteries include those used in mobile phones, remote controls, cameras, and laptops. While this is a positive step, the European Union encourages even higher recycling rates to tackle battery waste.
The volume of battery materials available for recycling worldwide is forecast to reach 1.4 million tons by 2030
The volume of battery materials available for recycling worldwide is forecast to reach 1.4 million tons by 2030. This growth underscores the importance of developing efficient recycling systems to handle increasing battery waste.
We Collect and Recycle Batteries For Businesses
We collect a range of batteries including lithium ion, lead acid, NiMH, and alkaline that have been used in various products. All the battery waste we collect will be recycled or reused for new applications, ensuring a circular approach to your materials. Please get in touch with our waste management team today providing the types of batteries you need collecting and your contact details. Our team will then be in touch to dispose of your battery recycling safely and securely.