Battery recycling

Batteries are common in many households and are used to power everyday appliances however, battery recycling levels in the UK are among the poorest in Europe. 600 million are sent to landfill in the UK each year, weighing the equivalent of 110 jumbo jets.

To combat this Broxbourne Council, in partnership with ERP and Hertfordshire County Council, have set up recycling points for batteries across the Borough. Designated collection points are located at all one stop shops and in the main reception of the Council Offices.

Most domestic batteries are accepted including AAA and AA cells, size C and D batteries, button batteries and batteries from mobile phones, laptops and power tools.

Throwing batteries away has a number of negative impacts:

A large energy deficit with each battery estimated to use 50 times more energy in its production than it produced in its lifetime. Large amounts of valuable metals and chemicals will be wasted. The possibility that harmful chemicals such as lead and mercury will leak into local ecosystems and cause environmental damage.

By recycling more batteries the materials they contain can be used to manufacture new ones, conserving resources and reducing the amount of energy used to make them.

Additionally, the materials saved can be used in the production of a range of other household goods including clothing, shoes and bottles. The potential for environmental damage will also be decreased.

For more information including locations of the collections points please click here.

Further details on your local one stop shops, including locations and maps can be found here. If you have any further queries please e-mail recycling@broxbourne.gov.uk.