Cumberland Council is encouraging residents to properly dispose of batteries and avoid placing them in household rubbish.
Many batteries, commonly found in various household items, are small, and can be found in devices such as toothbrushes, toys, phones, e-cigarettes and laptops, these include rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries.
Batteries should never be disposed of in regular waste or recycling bins. When batteries subsequently get damaged, they have the potential to explode or ignite, which can lead to fires and pose serious risks to both property and personal safety.
The council is asking residents to dispose of their used batteries responsibly by placing them in designated battery recycling bins. These bins can be conveniently found at our Household Waste Recycling Centres, or in most supermarkets across the council area. By promoting battery recycling, the council aims to reduce the environmental impact of battery waste and prevent potential harm to health.
Household Waste Recycling Centres can be found across Cumberland and provide facilities for the disposal of batteries.
Most supermarkets and a lot of other shops also have battery recycling bins. The ‘Recycle Now’ website has a helpful battery section where you can pop in your postcode and find your nearest battery recycling facilities.
Councillor Bob Kelly, Cumberland Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services, said:
“In our modern world, we rely heavily on the convenience and functionality of electronic devices that are powered by batteries. From smartphones and laptops to cameras and remote controls, these devices have become an integral part of our daily lives.
“However, the batteries that power these devices have a limited lifespan, and it is crucial that we dispose of them responsibly.
“Even if they don't cause a fire, damaged batteries pose a significant risk to the environment. These batteries contain various chemicals and materials that can have detrimental effects to our surroundings, if not recycled responsibly.
“Recycling batteries is a simple yet effective way to protect the environment and conserve valuable resources, and we are encouraging people to take their unwanted batteries to their Household Waste Recycling Centres or their local supermarket for recycling.
“So, let's do our bit and make a positive impact on the environment. By recycling batteries, we can prevent pollution, conserve resources, and reduce the risk of fires. Please remember to take your unwanted batteries to your local supermarket for recycling.”