The Hidden Dangers of Battery Waste and Why Businesses Must Take It Seriously
Batteries are essential in our daily lives. From power tools and laptops to cleaning equipment and mobile phones, they keep businesses running. But once they reach the end of their life, batteries can quickly become a serious hazard.
If not handled properly, battery waste can cause fires, environmental damage and risk to people. At Cawleys, we help businesses manage all forms of hazardous waste safely, responsibly and in line with the law.
Here’s why battery recycling matters and what you need to know.
Why Batteries Are More Dangerous Than You Might Think
When batteries are thrown into general waste or mixed recycling, they do not simply disappear. During collection or processing, they are often crushed, pierced or exposed to liquids. This can cause them to leak hazardous substances or overheat. In many cases, it can even lead to fires.
Fires linked to battery waste are becoming a growing concern across the UK waste industry. Almost half of all fires at waste sites are now believed to be caused by damaged or incorrectly disposed batteries. These incidents put workers in danger, damage facilities and disrupt operations.
Which Batteries Are a Risk?
All types of batteries can be dangerous if damaged or handled incorrectly. Some are more hazardous than others:
Lithium-ion batteries are found in phones, laptops, power tools, vapes and many other portable devices. They can release energy very quickly if they are crushed or punctured.
Rechargeable batteries can overheat and ignite when exposed to moisture or other waste materials.
Lead acid batteries often used in vehicles or industrial equipment, may contain hazardous substances including persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
The longer batteries are stored, especially in poor conditions or alongside other waste, the greater the risk becomes.
The Problem with Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes contain lithium batteries along with traces of nicotine, heavy metals and plastics. These are classed as both hazardous waste and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
Despite this, they are often thrown into general bins. This is dangerous and illegal. These items need to be collected separately and treated at a licensed facility.
With disposable vapes now banned in the UK, safe disposal of existing stock is more important than ever.
What the Law Says
Businesses have a duty of care under UK waste regulations. This means they must take steps to store, handle and dispose of batteries in a way that is safe and compliant.
Key legal requirements include:
Storing batteries separately from general waste
Using suitable and clearly labelled containers
Ensuring collections are made by a licensed contractor
Keeping records of waste movements and treatment
Failure to meet these requirements can result in enforcement action or fines.
How Battery Recycling Works
When handled correctly, battery recycling is a safe and efficient process:
Collection: Used batteries are stored in approved containers and collected by licensed professionals.
Transport: ADR-trained drivers move the waste safely to authorised treatment sites.
Sorting: Batteries are separated by type and condition.
Recovery: Valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and copper are recovered and reused.
Disposal: Hazardous substances, including POPs, are treated in line with strict regulations.
This approach reduces fire risk, protects the environment and recovers materials that would otherwise go to waste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many businesses are unaware of the risks they face. Here are some of the most common issues we see:
Batteries thrown in general waste or dry recycling
Expired or damaged batteries left in storage
Vapes disposed of with other waste items
Batteries hidden inside products such as toys or cleaning tools
No proper containers or training in place for staff
If any of these sound familiar, now is the time to act.
The Benefits of Responsible Battery Recycling
There are clear advantages to taking battery waste seriously:
Protect your site and your staff from fire or chemical incidents
Avoid legal and financial risks by staying compliant
Preserve valuable materials through recovery and reuse
Support your environmental goals by reducing harm and improving recycling rates
How Cawleys Can Help
Cawleys provides expert services for battery and vape disposal across a range of sectors. Our team offers:
Advice and on-site waste reviews
Secure containers for safe storage
Licensed collections using ADR-qualified drivers
Compliant recycling and treatment options
Full documentation to support your legal obligations
Emergency response and one-off clearance services
Whether you are in education, healthcare, manufacturing or office-based settings, we have the experience to support you.
Take Action Today
Battery waste is a growing risk that is too important to ignore. At Cawleys, we help organisations stay safe, compliant and sustainable.
Get in touch today for a free site assessment or to speak with one of our waste specialists.
Visit www.cawleys.co.uk or contact our team directly to find out how we can support your business.