Battery Producer Compliance
We are a member of the Battery Producer Compliance scheme, a national collection and treatment service for all types of batteries. It is a legal requirement for producers and retailers selling over 32kg of batteries per year to take back batteries from their customers.
Rapid Electronics is working with the Battery Producer Compliance scheme to help dispose of used batteries. We have the facility on site to dispose of batteries in a safe and environmentally friendly way. Please contact us in advance to arrange the safe disposal of your used batteries. Customers who do not live locally can also take advantage of the Battery Producer Compliance scheme. The following information will help you find your local Company that will dispose of your batteries free of charge:
Contact the Battery Producer Compliance scheme
Battery Producer Compliance FAQs
What happens to the batteries once they have been collected?
The batteries are sorted into chemical type, bulked up and then sent on to central treatment facilities for recycling. Base metals are recovered for re-use in industry.
What are the environmental benefits of battery recycling?
Before the battery recycling regulations came into force most batteries were discarded into landfill. Batteries contain various hazardous metals such as Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Zinc, Manganese and Lithium. It can be damaging to the environment to dispose of them through landfill and burning batteries also causes atmospheric pollution. In addition, the resources that can be gained from the batteries are the very same materials being mined (at great cost) in other parts of the world. By helping to recycle batteries you are not only helping the environment but also helping to keep down the cost of new batteries.
Is Britain recycling enough batteries?
The UK did have one of the worst battery recycling records in Europe. In 2010 we recycled less than 3% of portable batteries, whereas Belgium at that time recovered over 50%. The UK’s record of battery recycling has improved significantly in recent years. According to figures published by the Environment Agency in March 2020, the UK collected 44.34% of all portable batteries, just missing its target of 45%.
Recycling batteries is 10 times more expensive than sending them to landfill.
Each of us can help keep down the cost of batteries by putting our used batteries in a BatteryCan nearby. There are over 30,000 collection points in the UK. This includes all major retailers, all businesses selling over 32kg of batteries per annum, all civic amenity sites, council and government buildings.
Do I need a waste management license to store waste batteries?
You need to apply to the Environment Agency (SEPA in Scotland, NIEA in Northern Ireland) for an Exemption to the Waste Management Regulations.
Safety Information
Some batteries contain hazardous materials such as Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Lithium (Li) and Mercury (Hg). Although these are hazardous to the environment and can be dangerous to health, batteries are safe if handled correctly. Please follow these simple instructions:
- Do not break open batteries. Dust particles released are hazardous
- Do not allow batteries to get wet. For instance, Lithium can spontaneously combust if in contact with water
- Do not expose batteries to excessive heat or fire. Batteries may explode in fire releasing toxic fumes
- Do not short out batteries (i.e. allow the positive and negative terminals of the batteries to touch). Sudden discharges may cause heat or fire
- Do not mix dry batteries (sealed) with wet batteries (unsealed, such as lead acid). Leaking acid can cause damage and is a risk to human health
- Never use steel containers for storage. These can cause batteries to short out suddenly causing a fire or react with acids to create hazardous fumes
- Always use properly labelled plastic containers
- Simply, be sensible and portable batteries are safe to handle. Always follow the instructions provided.
Never put batteries in the waste bin!
