How to Store and Recycle Batteries Safely in the UK

Whether you keep a drawer of spares at home or a full stock cupboard at work, how you store and dispose of batteries matters. Good habits help batteries last longer, reduce the risk of leaks and short circuits, and keep harmful materials out of landfill.

How to store batteries

• Keep them cool and dry. Heat and damp shorten battery life. A cupboard or drawer at normal room temperature is ideal. Avoid sunny windowsills, cars and garages.
• Leave them in their packaging. Original packs stop batteries touching each other, which helps prevent them draining or shorting.
• Keep them away from metal. Loose keys, coins or paperclips can bridge the terminals and cause a battery to heat up.
• Don't mix old and new. Using old and new, or different types, in the same device can cause leaks and poor performance. Replace the whole set at once.
• Remove batteries from devices you won't use for a while. This helps prevent leaks that can damage the device.
• Keep coin and button cells out of reach of children. They can cause serious harm if swallowed.
• Use the oldest first. If you buy in bulk, rotate your stock so older packs get used before newer ones.

Why you shouldn't bin used batteries

Batteries contain materials that can be harmful if they end up in landfill, and many can be recovered and reused. Damaged batteries, particularly lithium types, can also be a fire risk in bin lorries and waste sites. That's why used batteries should go to a dedicated collection point rather than your general waste.

Where to recycle batteries in the UK

• Shops and supermarkets. Many retailers that sell batteries have a collection bin in store, often near the entrance or checkouts.
• Local recycling centres. Most household waste and recycling centres accept batteries.
• Kerbside collections. Some councils collect batteries from home. Check your local council's website to see what's available in your area.
• At work. Businesses that get through lots of batteries can set up a collection box and arrange for it to be taken to a recycling point.

Tips before you recycle

• Store used batteries in a non-metal container, such as a plastic tub or cardboard box, until you drop them off.
• For 9V and lithium batteries, it's a good idea to cover the terminals with a small piece of tape to prevent short circuits.
• If a battery is swollen, leaking or damaged, handle it carefully and check your local guidance on disposal.

Stock up smarter

Buying the right type and quantity for your needs means less waste and fewer last-minute trips to the shop. Browse our batteries or get in touch for bulk and trade orders.