Find places to recycle household batteries near you

Find a nearby place for household batteries

Set your location to search close to home. The finder only shows places linked to this item.

How to recycle household batteries

Keep batteries out of all household bins. Tape the terminals on lithium and button batteries before drop-off.

Possible recycling routes

Battery recycling pointsHousehold waste recycling centresRetailer take-back points

Prepare household batteries for recycling

• Remove the battery from the device if it is designed to come out
• Tape exposed terminals on lithium and button cells
• Keep damaged batteries separate and ask the site for help

What must stay out

Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.

• Do not put batteries in household rubbish or mixed recycling
• Retail collection bins do not take vehicle or industrial batteries
• Devices with fixed batteries must go through electrical recycling

Types of site to check

These site types can list household batteries. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.

• Battery recycling points

  Collection points for portable household batteries. Large shops that sell enough batteries must offer free take-back, and many recycling centres also accept them.

• Household waste recycling centres

  Council-run sites that accept many types of household recycling and waste. Local rules can cover booking, proof of address, vehicle permits and charges for some DIY waste.

• Retailer take-back points

  Shops and delivery services that take back selected products or packaging. Rules depend on the product, the retailer and whether you are buying a replacement.

Collection and take-back services

These services may offer another route when a local site does not list the item.

• Recycle Now

  UK recycling guidance with an item directory and a postcode-based recycling locator.

• Portable battery retailer take-back

  Large battery sellers provide free collection points for portable household batteries.

• Local hazardous waste disposal service

  A GOV.UK postcode service for council help with household chemicals, batteries and other hazardous materials.

Related item guides

• Electrical items

  Household products with a plug, battery, cable or crossed-out wheelie bin symbol.

• Hearing aids

  Unwanted hearing aids, battery packs and small hearing equipment.

• Vapes and e-cigarettes

  Disposable and rechargeable vaping devices with built-in batteries and electrical parts.

• Vehicle batteries

  Lead-acid and other starter batteries from household cars and motorbikes.

Browse all item guides

Questions about recycling household batteries

Where can I recycle household batteries?

Enter your postcode in the local finder to search battery recycling points and household waste recycling centres and retailer take-back points near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.

How should I prepare household batteries for recycling?

Keep batteries out of all household bins. Tape the terminals on lithium and button batteries before drop-off.