Quick answer: No. UK law bans batteries in all household bins (general waste and recycling). Recycle them at supermarket collection points, council kerbside battery bags, or household waste recycling centres.
Why batteries are banned from bins
Batteries cause hundreds of waste fires every year in the UK. When crushed in bin lorries or at recycling facilities, batteries spark, overheat, or explode. Lithium-ion batteries (from vapes, phones, laptops) are the most dangerous.
Putting batteries in bins is also illegal under the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009. Councils can fine households.
Where to recycle batteries in the UK
| Battery type | Where to recycle | Household bin? |
|---|---|---|
| AA, AAA, C, D (alkaline) | Supermarkets, shops, council kerbside | ❌ No |
| Button batteries (watches, hearing aids) | Supermarkets, chemists, tip | ❌ No |
| Lithium-ion (vapes, phones, laptops) | HWRC, electrical shops, specialist bins | ❌ No |
| Rechargeable power tool batteries | B&Q, Wickes, HWRC | ❌ No |
| Car battery (lead-acid) | HWRC, garages, scrapyards | ❌ No |
Common battery recycling options
- Supermarket collection points – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Co-op usually have battery bins near entrances or customer service.
- Kerbside battery bags – Many councils give out small plastic bags. Put batteries in the bag, tie it, and leave on top of your recycling bin on collection day.
- Household waste recycling centre (HWRC) – All tips have dedicated battery containers. Ask a site assistant.
- Electrical retailers – Currys, Argos, Robert Dyas collect batteries (especially lithium-ion).
- Local shops – Some newsagents, chemists, and Post Offices take button batteries.
What to do with vapes (disposable e-cigarettes)
Disposable vapes contain lithium-ion batteries. They cannot go in any household bin. Most vapes are also not designed to be dismantled. Return them to the shop where you bought them — retailers are legally required to accept dead vapes under WEEE regulations.
If the shop refuses, take vapes to an HWRC small electricals container.
Common mistakes with battery disposal
- Taping batteries – Do not tape terminals. Just put loose batteries into a collection bin. Taping is unnecessary and wastes plastic.
- Putting batteries in recycling “because they’re small” – Small batteries cause big fires. Never.
- Throwing button batteries in the bin – These are easily swallowed by children or pets if loose. Always recycle immediately.
- Storing old batteries at home – Risk of leakage and fire. Take them to a collection point within a month.
What about battery packs (sealed units)?
Laptop batteries, phone power banks, and cordless tool batteries are still batteries. Do not put them in household bins. Take to an HWRC small electricals area. Some shops (Currys, B&Q) also accept them.
Council kerbside battery collections: check first
Some councils collect batteries in kerbside recycling (in a bag). Others do not. Check your council’s website for:
- Does my council provide battery bags?
- Where do I get replacement bags?
- Can I put batteries loose in recycling? (Almost never)
Remember: If you’re unsure, take batteries to a supermarket. Every major supermarket in the UK has a battery bin.