Why You Should Always Remove Batteries Before Throwing Items Away

Ever thrown away an old toy or TV remote without a second thought? You’re not alone. But inside that harmless-looking gadget might be a ticking time bomb.

Batteries, even small ones, pose serious risks when tossed in general waste. For households across the UK, this can mean everything from fires in bin lorries to environmental damage.

So how should you dispose of batteries safely? What about the ones hidden in household items? With a little knowledge and the right support, it’s easy to do the right thing. In fact, over 700 fires in UK waste facilities were linked to batteries in a single year, according to the Environmental Services Association.

If you’re curious as to how to dispose of batteries properly, this blog will hopefully shed some light on the situation. At W&S Recycling, we offer safe battery recycling and disposal coupled with expert advice to help keep your home, and our planet, protected.

The Hidden Danger: Batteries in Everyday Items

Batteries aren’t just in the obvious places. Many everyday items contain them, and they’re easy to miss during a clear-out. This creates a serious battery fire hazard once those items hit the bin, as batteries can spark or explode if crushed, especially lithium-ion ones.

Here are some household items with batteries you might not realise need special attention:

• Children’s Toys: Many light up, talk, or move and often contain button or AA batteries.
• Teddy Bears with Sound Features: Soft toys with music or voices usually have a battery pack stitched inside.
• Smoke Alarms: Designed for safety, but dangerous when disposed of incorrectly.
• Electric Toothbrushes and Shavers: These contain rechargeable batteries, sometimes not easily removed.
• Bluetooth Devices: Think wireless speakers or headphones.
• Remote Controls and Key Fobs: Everyday use, easy to overlook.
• Torches and LED Lights: Many include built-in or replaceable batteries.

These items are part of daily life, but forgetting the battery inside can put people and the environment at serious risk.

What Can Go Wrong?

When batteries end up in general waste, the risk of fire is real. Once crushed in collection vehicles or compacted in landfill, they can overheat, leak, or explode. This is especially true of lithium-ion batteries, which are common in rechargeable devices.

In Dorset, a discarded vacuum cleaner battery caused a fire at Sherborne Household Recycling Centre. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but staff warned it could have been much worse. Dorset Fire & Rescue highlighted how waste facilities store massive volumes of compacted materials. In the wrong conditions, heat builds up and triggers spontaneous combustion.

So how to dispose of batteries properly? The first step is recognising the danger posed by these battery fire hazards. The second is removing batteries from devices before they go in the bin.

It’s not just about damage to infrastructure, it’s about safety for you, your family, and waste collection teams, especially when dealing with household items with batteries.

How to Safely Remove and Store Batteries

Having discussed the consequences of incorrect battery disposal, let’s discuss how to dispose of batteries correctly.

Removing batteries might sound straightforward, but a few simple tips can help avoid accidents and ensure proper recycling. This is especially true for toys or electronics handled by children.

Here are our top tips for battery removal safety:

• Check Carefully: Before throwing away anything with a power button or light, double-check for a battery compartment.
• Use Tools When Needed: A small screwdriver can help with battery covers in toys or remotes.
• Handle with Care: Leaking batteries should be handled using gloves and disposed of safely at a recycling point.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store removed batteries in a high place or secure container.

When storing, place batteries in a non-metallic container, like a plastic tub or battery bag. Keep them dry and away from flammable items until they’re ready for safe battery disposal.

What To Do with Old Batteries

Safe battery disposal starts with knowing what not to do: never throw batteries into your general waste or kerbside recycling bin. Doing so puts your household and waste workers at risk, not to mention the environmental harm from chemicals seeping into soil and water.

Instead, take used batteries to a dedicated battery recycling point. Many supermarkets, schools, and council facilities offer collection bins. If the battery can’t be removed from the item, your local Household Recycling Centre can accept the whole device as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).

At W&S Recycling, we help you recycle safely and responsibly, keeping batteries out of bins and fires out of lorries.

Get in Touch to Learn More About How to Dispose of Batteries Safely

Want to know how to dispose of batteries the right way? We’re here to help. At W&S Recycling, we offer battery recycling and disposal solutions that are safe, reliable, and good for the planet. Our expert team provides personalised advice and easy disposal options.

For safe battery disposal, call us today on 01202 675564 or use our online contact form; it’s quick, easy, and the best way to keep your clear-out safe and sustainable.

With certified services, competitive prices, and a genuine commitment to the environment, you can count on W&S to do it right. And be sure to check out our blog discussing the benefits of recycling batteries.