Bags
Too Good To Waste
Contents
Batteries
Small domestic batteries
Around 600 million UK household batteries (the equivalent
weight of 110 Jumbo Jets) are sent to landfill unnecessarily every year.
Many of these batteries contain toxic materials such as cadmium,
lithium and mercury, which could cause pollution problems. It also takes a
lot more energy to make a battery than the energy it gives out.
Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. Although more
expensive to buy initially, rechargeable batteries work out cheaper in
the long run.
As an alternative to battery operated devices look out for items such as solar battery chargers and calculators, and wind-up radios, phone chargers and torches. Available in selected shops or by mail order. See Mail Order Catalogues.
Since April 2010 European legislation means that most shops that
sell household batteries should have containers for collecting batteries
for recycling.
Recycling facilities for all types of household batteries are located at the Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian and Scottish Borders Community Recycling Centres. See COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRES.
Edinburgh households using the kerbside recycling service can place used batteries in a sealed clear plastic bag (for example freezer bag) and put out for collection in their blue box.
NiCd batteries
Nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries are used in items such as power tools
and laptops.
These are accepted in the battery boxes located at the Edinburgh,
East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian and Scottish Borders
Community Recycling Centres.
See COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRES.
Rechargeable batteries
Look out for Rayovac rechargeable batteries as they don't
contain toxic heavy metals.
Rechargeable batteries are accepted in the battery boxes located at the
Edinburgh,
East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian and Scottish Borders Community
Recycling Centres.
See COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRES.
For safety reasons it is not advisable to use rechargeable
batteries in smoke alarms.
Car batteries
It is illeagal to dispose of car batteries with household waste.
Take to your local Community Recycling Centre.
See Community Recycling Centres.
Your local garage or supplier may also accept car batteries for recycling but may charge for this service.
Introduction