Recycling Old Torches and Batteries Safely

Batteries power torches, radios and toys, and they can be harmful if thrown away carelessly. Here's how to handle them responsibly.

Why disposal matters

• Batteries contain metals and chemicals that can pollute soil and water in landfill.
• Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if damaged or crushed, which is a real risk in bins and waste trucks.
• Materials can be recovered through recycling.

Types of batteries

Type	Found in	Notes
Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D)	torches, remote controls, toys	widely used; follow local disposal rules
Rechargeable (NiMH)	torches, cameras	can be recharged many times
Lithium-ion	phones, power banks, rechargeable torches	must be recycled, never binned
Button cells	watches, small lights, key fobs	dangerous if swallowed; recycle

How to dispose

1. Check local rules. Rules differ between places, so look at your local authority's guidance.
2. Use collection points. Many shops, supermarkets and recycling centres have battery bins.
3. Take lithium-ion batteries to a proper collection point. Never put them in household bins.
4. Protect the terminals. For lithium and button cells, cover the terminals with tape to prevent short circuits.
5. Don't burn them.

Safe storage at home

• Keep batteries in a cool, dry place, out of direct sun.
• Store them separately, not loose in a drawer with keys or coins.
• Keep them away from children and pets. Button batteries are especially dangerous if swallowed. Seek medical help immediately if this happens.
• Don't mix old and new batteries, or different types, in the same device.
• Remove batteries from torches that won't be used for a long time, since old batteries can leak.

Damaged batteries

If a battery is swollen, leaking or very hot:

• Stop using it.
• Don't charge it.
• Keep it away from anything flammable.
• Put it in a safe, non-flammable spot and take it to a collection point or repair shop.

Old torches and power banks

• Torches may be recycled as small electrical items.
• Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries and need proper recycling.
• Donate working ones to a friend or charity if they still work.

Reduce waste

1. Choose rechargeable batteries for devices you use often.
2. Buy a rechargeable torch if it fits your needs.
3. Use a phone torch for short tasks and save batteries for bigger jobs.

A light footprint

A simple phone torch app needs no batteries beyond your phone's own, which makes it a low-waste choice for everyday tasks.